While Britain may be experiencing a heatwave this week, it has coincided with a new announcement that’ll help millions stay warm in the coming winter.
Around double the number of homes in the UK will now be eligible for a £150 discount on their winter energy bills after the government announced changes to the Warm Home Discount.
It formed part of government efforts to help families navigate soaring winter bills as households struggle to keep up with energy prices while also keeping their homes warm.
"I know families are still struggling with the cost of living, and I know the fear that comes with not being able to afford your next bill,” said Sir Keir Starmer.
"Providing security and peace of mind for working people is deeply personal to me as Prime Minister and foundational for the Plan for Change.
Starmer added: "I have no doubt that, like rolling out free school meals, breakfast clubs and childcare support, extending this £150 energy bills support to millions more families will make a real difference."
While families are probably focusing more on how to keep their homes cool this week as the mercury rises above 30 degrees, it’s handy to know what support is available for when winter comes around again. Depending on where you are in the country, you may also need to complete a few steps to get the discount.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Warm Home Discount update.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill, designed to help families keep costs down when heating and powering their homes during winter.
This differs from the Cold Weather Payment and the Winter Fuel Payment, and this discount doesn’t impact eligibility for those schemes.
Updates to this discount scheme now mean that some restrictions have been lifted and every bill payer on means-tested benefits should be in line to get it.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), just over six million households are eligible for the Warm Home Discount.
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
Anyone on means-tested benefits who pays the bills for their home is understood to be eligible for this £150 discount.
From October 2025, people who think they may be eligible can check through the government website whether they are inline to receive the support.
People in England and Wales should be eligible if they get the Guarantee Credit as part of their Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.
The same applies for people in Scotland, but you’ll also need to meet the requirements of your energy supplier’s scheme.
How does it work?
Most people eligible for this service will automatically get the discount deducted from their winter bills at some point between October and March, although it’s not entirely clear at this point exactly on what date this would be applied.
You might also be able to get the discount on your gas bill or pay-as-you-go meters, but you’ll need to speak to your energy suppliers regarding this.
People in Scotland who have low incomes will need to apply directly through their energy suppliers. Those who are eligible should fit the following criteria: the energy supplier is part of the scheme, you or your partner has means-tested benefits or tax credits, and your name is on the electricity bill.
What if you missed last year’s payment?
If you think you were eligible for last year’s discount but you didn’t see it reflected in your bills before March 31, 2025, you have a few options.
1. If you have confirmation that you were eligible, contact your electricity supplier who should be able to help.
2. If they can’t help but you have proof of eligibility, you’ll have to write to the Warm Home Discount Scheme at: Warm Home Discount Scheme, PO Box 14127, Selkirk TD7 9AH.
