Households have only days left to secure the 150 pound Warm Home Discount before the application deadline. While most eligible customers should have received the support automatically, some may still need to take action.
The Warm Home Discount provides a 150 pound reduction on electricity bills. For most households, the payment is applied directly to the energy account. Prepayment customers typically receive the support through vouchers.
If you believe you qualify but have not received the discount, it is important to check your status before the deadline of February 28.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on receiving certain benefits on the qualifying date of August 24.
You may qualify if you were claiming:
- Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Savings Credit element of Pension Credit
Eligibility rules vary depending on where you live in the UK.
| Region | Is Payment Automatic? |
|---|---|
| England | Yes, if eligible |
| Wales | Yes, if eligible |
| Scotland | Automatic only for Guaranteed Credit recipients |
| Northern Ireland | Scheme not available |
In England and Wales, payments are generally applied automatically if you meet the criteria. In Scotland, only those receiving the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit receive the payment automatically. Others must apply through their energy supplier.
There is no Warm Home Discount scheme in Northern Ireland.
Deadline
If you were eligible but did not receive a confirmation letter or see the discount applied to your energy account, you must contact the Warm Home Discount scheme before February 28.
You can reach the scheme by:
- Calling 0800 030 9322
- Writing to Warm Home Discount Scheme, PO Box 970, Preston, PR2 0FX
Given the approaching deadline, calling is likely the quickest way to resolve any issues.
Payment
The 150 pound discount does not come as cash paid into a bank account. Instead, it is credited directly to your electricity bill. For households using prepayment meters, vouchers are usually issued to top up credit.
The support applies to electricity accounts, even if you have a dual fuel tariff that includes both gas and electricity.
Price Cap
The deadline coincides with expectations that energy bills may fall this spring. Cornwall Insight has forecast that the Ofgem price cap could drop from 1,758 pounds per year to 1,641 pounds for a typical dual-fuel household.
Ofgem is due to announce the next price cap level on February 25. The updated cap will apply from April 1 to June 30.
The Ofgem price cap applies to households on standard variable rate tariffs. It does not apply to customers locked into fixed-rate deals.
It is important to note that the price cap does not limit the total amount you pay for energy. Instead, it caps the maximum unit price suppliers can charge for gas and electricity, along with standing charges.
The headline figure represents the annual cost for a household with typical energy consumption. If you use more energy than average, your total bill will be higher. If you use less, you will pay less.
Reminder
If you believe you were eligible for the Warm Home Discount but have not received it, checking before February 28 is essential. Most payments are automatic, but some households, particularly in Scotland, may need to apply manually.
With energy prices still elevated compared to historical levels, ensuring you receive available support could help reduce upcoming bills.
FAQs
How much is the Warm Home Discount?
It provides £150 off your electricity bill.
Is the payment automatic?
Yes in England and Wales, mostly.
What is the deadline to apply?
February 28.
Does Northern Ireland have the scheme?
No, it is not available there.
