The Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a Government-backed support scheme intended to help eligible households with energy costs during the winter period.

Unlike grant programmes that fund home improvements or heating upgrades, the Warm Home Discount provides direct financial support through a credit applied to energy bills.

The scheme operates annually through participating energy suppliers across England, Scotland and Wales. Separate support arrangements apply within Northern Ireland.

For many households, eligibility is assessed automatically and no separate application process is required.

What Support Does The Scheme Provide?

The Warm Home Discount does not fund heating systems, insulation or property improvements.

Instead, support is provided through direct assistance with household energy costs.

Financial Support

Support may include:

  • A £150 credit applied towards winter electricity costs
  • In some circumstances, support may also apply where electricity and gas services are provided by the same supplier
  • Automatic application for many eligible households
  • Support for prepayment meter customers through vouchers or direct meter credits, depending on supplier arrangements

The purpose of the scheme is to help reduce pressure from winter energy bills.

Who Could Qualify?

Eligibility requirements can vary slightly between years and suppliers.

Support is generally delivered through two categories.

Core Group

Households may qualify where:

  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit is received
  • Other qualifying pension-related conditions apply where relevant

For many households within this category, the discount is applied automatically.

Broader Eligibility Group

Additional households may qualify where certain support or benefits are received alongside higher energy costs.

Examples can include:

  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit

Eligibility is usually assessed using Government and energy supplier information.

Additional Information

  • Available to homeowners and tenants
  • Prepayment meter customers may still qualify
  • Your supplier usually needs to participate in the scheme
  • Northern Ireland operates separate support arrangements

How The Process Works

Step 1 – Eligibility Review

Government and energy supplier information may be used to assess whether qualifying criteria are met.

Step 2 – Household Identification

Eligible households are generally identified automatically through the scheme process.

Step 3 – Discount Applied

Where eligibility requirements are met, the payment is normally applied directly to the household energy account or prepayment arrangement.

Many households do not need to submit a separate application.

Need Information On Current Grants & Support?

Support schemes and eligibility requirements can change over time.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current grants and available support routes that may apply to your household and property circumstances.

Available support, eligibility criteria and scheme requirements can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.