A woman in her 60s smiling, looking at an electricity bill on her kitchen table. A large £150 stamp/overlay graphic shows "£150 OFF" on the bill. Next to her, a subtle radiator icon with warm glow lines. On the table: a mug of tea, reading glasses, and a small calendar showing October-March highlighted. Background: cosy living room, window showing cold weather outside but home feels warm inside.

Warm Home Discount Checker 2025/26

Check if you qualify for £150 off your electricity bill this winter

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Guarantee Credit is the main part of Pension Credit. If you only get Savings Credit, select 'No'.

Warm Home Discount Checker 2025/26 — Check If You Qualify for £150 Off Your Energy Bill

Worried about winter energy bills? The Warm Home Discount gives £150 off your electricity bill between October and March. Most people get it automatically, but millions miss out because they don’t know they qualify.

Our Warm Home Discount Checker tells you in 60 seconds if you’re in the Core Group — automatic £150 — or the Broader Group — you need to apply.

2025/26 Warm Home Discount

£150 one-off credit paid directly to your electricity supplier. Not cash, but deducted from your bill. Open 21 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Use the checker first, then read our guide below to understand the rules and what to do if you’re eligible.

How Does the Warm Home Discount Work?

The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme paid by energy suppliers. There are 2 groups:

Core Group 1 — Automatic £150

You get it automatically if on 1 August 2025 you were:

  1. Getting Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit — even £1 qualifies you
  2. Your electricity supplier is part of the scheme — 95% of suppliers are

You don’t need to apply. DWP sends your details to your supplier. The £150 credit appears on your bill between October and March. You’ll get a letter by December confirming it.

Core Group 2 — Broader Group, Must Apply

You may qualify if you’re on low income and meet your supplier’s criteria. Each supplier sets their own rules, but you usually qualify if:

  1. You get means-tested benefits — Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA, Housing Benefit
  2. Low income — Usually under £16,190/year household income
  3. High energy costs — Or someone in home has disability, is 65+, or has child under 5

You MUST apply directly to your supplier. Funds are limited and first-come, first-served. Applications open October and close when money runs out — often by December.

Who Qualifies for Warm Home Discount 2025/26?

Group Who Qualifies Do You Apply?
Core Group 1 Pension Credit Guarantee Credit on 1 Aug 2025 No — automatic
Broader Group Low income + UC/legacy benefits + supplier criteria Yes — apply to supplier
Scotland Different rules — apply via gov.scot even if on Pension Credit Yes — apply via gov.scot

Not eligible: If you only get Savings Credit, New Style JSA/ESA, or your supplier isn’t in the scheme. Check gov.uk — 25+ suppliers take part including British Gas, E.ON, EDF, Octopus, OVO.

How to Claim Your £150 Warm Home Discount

If You’re Core Group 1 — Pension Credit

  1. Check your letters — DWP posts confirmation by December
  2. Check your bill — £150 credit appears Oct-Mar. Shows as “Warm Home Discount”
  3. Not received it? — Call Warm Home Discount helpline 0800 731 0214 by 28 February 2026

If You’re Broader Group — Low Income

  1. Check if supplier takes part — gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
  2. Apply from 21 October 2025 — Via supplier website, phone, or post
  3. Provide proof — Benefit award letters, income details, energy bills
  4. Wait for decision — Usually 6-8 weeks. If approved, £150 credit added to account

Deadline: Applications close 31 March 2026 OR when supplier runs out of money — whichever is first. Apply in October to avoid missing out.

Warm Home Discount FAQs

Is Warm Home Discount cash?

No. It’s a £150 credit paid directly to your electricity account. You won’t get £150 in your bank. If you’re on prepay, you get a top-up voucher or credit added to your meter.

I’m on Pension Credit but didn’t get it last year. Why?

3 reasons: 1) You weren’t getting Guarantee Credit on the qualifying date 1 August, 2) Your supplier isn’t in the scheme, 3) DWP didn’t match your details. Call 0800 731 0214 to check.

Can I get Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment?

Yes. They’re separate. Cold Weather Payments are £25 for each 7-day period below 0°C. Warm Home Discount is £150 once per winter. You can get both plus Winter Fuel Payment if you qualify.

What if I switch suppliers?

Tell your new supplier you were eligible. If you switch after 1 August, your old supplier still pays it. If you switch before, your new supplier pays — but only if they’re in the scheme. Check before switching.

I’m on a prepayment meter. How do I get it?

Your supplier sends a top-up voucher by post, email, or text. You take it to Post Office or PayPoint to add £150 to your meter. Or they add credit remotely if you have a smart meter.

My supplier ran out of money. Can I appeal?

No. Broader Group funds are limited. Each supplier gets a budget. Once gone, they close applications. Apply early October next year. Core Group 1 is guaranteed if you meet criteria.

Other Winter Energy Help to Check

If you qualify for Warm Home Discount, check these too:

Disclaimer: This checker uses 2025/26 DWP criteria. Broader Group rules vary by supplier. The scheme runs 21 October 2025 to 31 March 2026. Last updated: June 2026. Based on gov.uk guidance.

Need help? Call Warm Home Discount helpline: 0800 731 0214 or Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848