With sharp rises to gas and electricity bills predicted for this winter, it’s worth finding out whether you qualify for Warm Home Discount where you can save money off your winter energy bills.  

It’s a government-backed scheme to help reduce costs if you’re on low income, getting certain benefits and struggling to pay your electricity or gas bills. 

What is the Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount will give you £150 off your electricity bill for the winter period bills between October 2022 and March 2023, if you qualify.

The money isn’t paid directly to you. Instead, a discount is applied to your electricity bill. You could get also money off your gas bill if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity (known as a dual fuel tariff).

Can I get the Warm Home Discount?

You might be able to get a Warm Home discount if you fall into any of these core groups.

Core group 1. If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

To qualify:

• you or your partner’s or spouse’s name has to be on the bill 
• you or your partner or spouse are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit 
• you are with an energy supplier that offers the Warm Home Discount. 

Core group 2. If you’re on a low income, and getting certain benefits

To qualify:

• You'll need to be with an energy supplier that offers the Warm Home Discount.
• You’re on a low income, get certain means-tested benefits and are in or at risk of fuel poverty.

Countries in the UK measure Fuel Poverty differently:  

• In England, you’re assessed on whether you have a low income and high household costs.
• In Scotland and Wales, you’re assessed as being in fuel poverty if you spend more than 10% of your household income on energy costs.
• In Northern Ireland, the Warm Home Discount isn’t available but there are energy and grant schemes that may help with energy money saving.

If you’re a homeowner or a private renter in Northern Ireland and have a household income of less than £23,000, find out more about the affordable warmth scheme in Northern Ireland. 

Which benefits qualify for getting Warm Home Discount?

This depends on your supplier’s scheme, but you may be eligible if you’re getting one of the following means tested benefits:

• Universal Credit (low income elements) 
• Income Support
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support allowance (which includes a work-related activity or support component)
• Housing Benefit
• Support for Mortgage Interest (paid as a loan)
• Child Tax Credit (if your income is below a certain amount)
• Working Tax Credit (if your income is below a certain amount). 

How do I apply for the Warm Home Discount?

How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depends on how you qualify for the discount.

1. If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit:

• The discount will normally be applied automatically without you needing to do anything.
• You should receive a letter from the DWP between October and December 2022 to let you know if you need to take any action or confirm any details with them.

2. If you’re on a low income and getting certain benefits:

• You have to apply directly to your supplier for a discount and it’s generally given on a first come, first served basis.
• The electricity supplier decides who can get a discount, and if you’re eligible will tell you how to apply.

When can I apply for the Warm Home Discount?

The scheme will be open from October 2022.  For those that are on low income and getting certain benefits, it is recommended that you check with your electricity supplier as early as possible to see if you’re eligible. 

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, check out this Article.