The full picture
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 reduction on a household's electricity bill (or gas if it's the main heating fuel) for the winter. It runs October to March each year and is paid by the energy supplier as a credit on the bill.
There are two qualifying routes:
**Core Group 1** — automatic, no application needed: - You receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit on the qualifying day (usually the third Sunday in August) - You're named on the energy account or your partner is
**Core Group 2 (Broader Group)** — automatic in England/Wales since 2022: - Your household's estimated energy costs are higher than average - You receive a qualifying means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, income-based JSA / ESA, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits) - DWP and the energy supplier check eligibility automatically
In Scotland, Core Group 2 still requires an application through the energy supplier — the rules diverge from England/Wales here.
Northern Ireland runs its own scheme called Affordable Warmth, with similar £150 support but a different application process via the local council.
You'll receive a letter in October/November confirming eligibility, and the credit is applied between then and March. If you don't receive a letter but think you're eligible, contact the Warm Home Discount Helpline on 0800 731 0214 (England/Wales) or your supplier.