What's the Warm Home Discount?

This scheme requires energy suppliers with more than 150,000 domestic (not business) customers, by law, to help vulnerable customers pay for electricity by providing a discount of £150.

After a shake-up of the warm home discount scheme in 2022, households in England and Wales who are eligible, should get the discount automatically – previously, some had to apply to get it. But given the changes, some that used to get it, will now miss out.

In Scotland, the warm home discount scheme has stayed the same as previous years. This means if you get the 'guarantee element' of pension credit, it should come automatically. If you're on certain benefits, you will need to apply to get the £150 discount.

Payments are made on a first come, first served basis, with a limited pot of cash to give out, and some suppliers are starting to close their schemes now. So apply as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss out. 

Check the full the eligibility criteria in our Warm home discount guide.

How will I get the cash? The money isn't paid to you – it's a one-off discount on your electricity bill, given usually between October and March.

If you're on prepay, your supplier can tell you how to claim it – usually it's a voucher worth £150 for your meter.