The Warm Home Discount is a Government scheme that gives eligible households £150 towards their energy costs every year. The money isn’t paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill between November and March.
The discount won’t affect your Winter Fuel Payment or any Cold Weather Payment.
Please find the scheme eligibility criteria and claiming process below.
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount
If you’re in England or Wales, you should get it automatically if you received one the following means-tested benefits AND you were named on your electricity account or bill on 24 August 2025 (the qualifying date for the payment):
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter
To receive the payment – your electricity supplier needs to be part of the scheme – check the full list here.
You may also qualify if your:
- property has a high energy cost score based on its characteristics
- household income falls below a certain threshold and you get either Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
You will need to speak to your Electricity supplier if you think you might qualify for one of these non means tested reasons.
How to Claim The Warm Home Discount
You’ll receive a letter between October 2025 and January 2026 telling you about the discount if you qualify automatically. Telling you either:
• You don’t have to apply – you’ll get the discount automatically
• You need to apply– the letter will tell you why and how – you need to apply by February 2026
• Most eligible households will receive an automatic discount.
If you think you may qualify then please contact your electricity supplier NOW to see if you’re eligible and how to apply. Remember you need to apply before February 2026 to receive the payment.
Further Help with Energy Bills
Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 are also available depending on your eligibility.
Find out more about Winter Fuel Payments
Further Information
If you have any questions, please direct them to the NYCC Warm Home team at:
Warm Home Discount Team 2.1.P Peel Park Brunel Way Blackpool FY4 5ES
Warm Home Discount Scheme Telephone: 0345 603 9439 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
