Millions of households across the UK are preparing for winter with rising energy costs in mind. The Warm Home Discount Scheme is designed to ease this burden by offering a £150 reduction on electricity bills.
With updates for 2025 now live, more families, pensioners, and low-income households are eligible than ever before. This guide explores who qualifies, how to apply, and what you must do to ensure you receive this vital support.
What Is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government initiative aimed at helping low-income and vulnerable households reduce their electricity bills during the winter months.
Under the scheme, eligible households receive a one-off £150 discount applied directly to their electricity account. This support is not paid in cash but as a credit to reduce winter energy costs. The scheme works in collaboration with energy suppliers who apply the discount on behalf of the government.
- Offers a flat £150 discount on electricity bills
- Available to eligible low-income households and pensioners
- Automatically applied for most qualifying households
By easing the burden of winter energy costs, the Warm Home Discount Scheme ensures that vulnerable households can keep their homes warm without stretching their budgets.
Why Is It Important in 2025?
In 2025, the scheme’s importance has grown significantly due to the cost-of-living crisis and increasing energy prices. The government has expanded the scheme to include more working families, pensioners, and those on various means-tested benefits.
The aim is to help more people stay warm this winter without added financial pressure. The initiative supports the UK’s Plan for Change by offering targeted cost-of-living relief.
Who Can Get £150 Off Their Energy Bills This Winter?
This winter, households in the UK who receive qualifying means-tested benefits may be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount. To receive the discount automatically, the beneficiary must also be named on the electricity bill by the qualifying date.
Means-Tested Benefits That Now Qualify
The eligibility criteria have expanded. Households in England and Wales will qualify if they receive any of the following benefits and are named on the electricity bill:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
These benefits must be active and verified as of the qualifying date to be considered.
Core vs. Broader Group: What’s Changed in 2025?
Previously, the scheme used to separate recipients into the “Core Group” and “Broader Group.” The Core Group qualified automatically, while the Broader Group had to apply through their supplier.
Now, the distinction has been removed for England and Wales. Most eligible households will be matched through a central database based on benefit records and electricity account details.
| Group | Previous Process | 2025 Process |
| Core Group | Automatic payment | Automatic payment continues |
| Broader Group | Had to apply via supplier | Now automatically matched through records |
| Prepayment customers | Often applied manually | Eligible if account is registered in their name |
This simplified approach ensures that more people receive the discount without needing to take extra steps.
What Should You Do If You Didn’t Receive the £150 Energy Discount?
If you were expecting the Warm Home Discount and haven’t received it, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to check your eligibility and receive the support you’re entitled to.
Check Eligibility and Billing Name
First, confirm that you were receiving one of the qualifying benefits on or before the cut-off date of 24 August 2025. Then, make sure the electricity bill is in your name, your partner’s name, or your legal representative’s.
Wait for Notification
Most eligible households will be notified automatically via letter by early winter. If you haven’t received a letter by January 2026, it’s essential to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline.
If you’ve moved homes or changed suppliers recently, this may affect the matching process. Ensure your energy account is updated to reflect your current details.
Why Is It Important to Be Named on the Electricity Bill?
Your eligibility for the Warm Home Discount depends not just on the benefits you receive, but also on the name listed on your electricity account. If you’re not named on the bill, your household may miss out on the automatic discount.
Being correctly named ensures a smooth match between Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) records and your energy supplier’s records. The government relies on this data to apply the discount automatically.
- Confirm the benefit recipient is named on the bill
- Update details if you’ve recently moved
- Contact your energy supplier if unsure about the billing name
Having accurate billing information reduces the chance of delays or missed discounts.
How to Check and Update Your Billing Information?
If you’re unsure whether your name is listed correctly, contact your energy supplier and ask for confirmation. You can request to add or update the name on the bill if needed.
Steps to update your billing info:
- Call or log into your energy supplier’s online account
- Request to update the named account holder
- Ensure the person on benefits is the one listed
- Ask for confirmation in writing or via email
- Do this before 24 August 2025 to avoid delays
This simple step can be the difference between receiving the discount automatically or having to wait for a letter and apply manually.
How Has the Warm Home Discount Scheme Expanded this Year?
The 2025 expansion of the Warm Home Discount Scheme marks one of the most significant changes in recent years. The changes aim to support more households and ensure fairness.
Previously, many working families and those with children were excluded. Now, over 2.7 million additional households will benefit, including 900,000 families with children.
The expansion simplifies the application process and removes outdated criteria, ensuring that those who need help most get it automatically.
| Year | Eligible Households | Key Change |
| 2024 | Approx. 3.5 million | Core/Broader Group split |
| 2025 | Over 6 million | Auto-matching and eligibility expansion |
This reform aligns with the government’s commitment to easing the cost of living under the Plan for Change initiative.
What’s the Process for Receiving the £150 Energy Discount?
The process for receiving your £150 energy discount has become more efficient in 2025. For most, there is no application required, eligible households will be notified automatically.
Timeline for Automatic Payments
The energy suppliers will begin applying the discounts from October 2025 onwards. Most eligible accounts will see the credit applied by the end of December 2025.
| Month | Action |
| August 24 | Eligibility data matched |
| October | Energy suppliers begin applying discounts |
| December | Most households will see credit appear |
| January 2026 | Helpline support if discount not received |
If you’re eligible but don’t see the discount by early January, follow up using the provided helpline.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive a Confirmation Letter?
While most will receive automatic notification, there’s a chance some may not.
If you don’t receive your letter:
- Check your benefit status
- Ensure the electricity bill is in the correct name
- Wait until January 2026 for the letter
- If still nothing, call the Warm Home Discount helpline
- Be ready to provide benefit and billing information
Acting quickly ensures you don’t miss out on support for winter energy costs.
Which Energy Suppliers Are Participating in the 2025 Scheme?
Not every energy supplier participates in the Warm Home Discount Scheme. However, most major providers in the UK are involved. It’s essential to verify your supplier is on the approved list.
Major suppliers expected to participate include:
- British Gas
- EDF Energy
- E.ON Next
- Octopus Energy
- OVO Energy
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy
- SO Energy
- Utilita
Check with your supplier to confirm:
- If they are offering the Warm Home Discount
- Whether they have specific application requirements
- What the timeline for applying or receiving is
This is particularly important for customers who have recently switched providers.
What Are the Rules for Scottish Households in 2025?
Scotland follows slightly different rules under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Automatic payments are only available for households receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
Other eligible Scottish households must apply manually through their energy supplier. Application windows typically open in October and vary depending on the provider.
Key eligibility for Scotland:
- Must be named on electricity bill
- Must receive a qualifying benefit
- Manual application required unless on Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Stay alert for your supplier’s announcements regarding application periods.
Key Differences in Scotland’s Application Process
| Criteria | England & Wales | Scotland |
| Pension Credit (Guarantee) | Auto payment | Auto payment |
| Other benefits | Auto-matched | Manual application |
| Prepayment meters | Auto-matched if named | Manual application |
It’s important for Scottish residents to be proactive in checking eligibility and applying in time.
When and How to Apply Through Energy Suppliers?
If you’re in Scotland and not receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, you will need to apply directly through your supplier. Application windows vary.
Steps to apply:
- Check your benefit status and eligibility
- Visit your energy supplier’s website
- Look for Warm Home Discount section
- Complete the application form online
- Submit any required documentation
Act early in October to avoid missing the window.
What Should Prepayment and Recently Moved Customers Know?
If you use a prepayment meter or have recently moved, your situation requires extra attention. These groups often face the biggest risk of missing out due to administrative oversights.
For prepayment meter users:
- Ensure your account is registered in your name
- The £150 may be given as a voucher or pre-loaded credit
- Keep an eye out for any communication from your supplier
For recently moved customers:
- Update your billing information ASAP
- Make sure the new account is in the name of the person on benefits
- Notify the new supplier of your eligibility
Tips to avoid missing out:
- Call your supplier if unsure about registration
- Verify address and account details are correct
- Respond to any letters from your energy company
Being proactive ensures you receive the support you’re entitled to without delays.
Conclusion
The Warm Home Discount Scheme remains a lifeline for millions of UK households during the colder months. With the 2025 updates expanding eligibility and simplifying access, it’s now easier than ever to get £150 off your electricity bill.
Just make sure the right name is on the bill and your benefits are up to date. Take the time now to review your eligibility, and help others do the same, to ensure no one is left in the cold this winter.
FAQs About the Warm Home Discount Scheme
Is the Warm Home Discount available to people not on benefits?
No, it is a targeted support scheme for households receiving specific means-tested benefits. Other schemes may be available for non-benefit recipients.
Can couples qualify if only one partner is on the bill?
Yes, as long as the person on the eligible benefit is named on the electricity bill, either in their own name, their partner’s name, or legal representative.
Will the discount be visible on my energy statement?
Yes, the £150 discount will appear as a credit on your electricity bill or as a voucher for prepayment customers.
What if I receive a letter but don’t see the discount applied?
If you receive a confirmation letter and haven’t seen the discount by January 2026, you should contact the scheme’s helpline immediately.
Is there a way to check if my benefit qualifies?
Yes, the gov.uk site has a full list of accepted means-tested benefits. The 2025 scheme includes Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, and more.
Will I lose eligibility if I move after 24 August?
No, but if you move or switch suppliers after the qualifying date, ensure your new energy account reflects the correct name and benefit eligibility.
Can I combine the Warm Home Discount with other schemes like Cold Weather Payments?
Yes, eligible households can receive support from multiple government schemes, as they are separate and non-exclusive.
