The UK government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme is back this winter, providing a £150 discount on energy bills for eligible households. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to support vulnerable families facing rising energy costs.
According to the Daily Record, the scheme has been expanded this year, increasing the number of households that can benefit from this crucial support. However, many people are still unaware of their eligibility or the process to apply. This article will outline the key details, eligibility criteria, and application process, ensuring you have the information needed to take advantage of this discount.
Early Applications Are Now Open
Seven major energy companies have opened applications for the 2025/26 Warm Home Discount scheme earlier than usual. These include Scottish Gas, British Gas, Octopus Energy, Co-op Energy, So Energy, Good Energy, and Utility Warehouse. The experts are urging people:
Don’t delay, as it’s first come, first served.
It’s crucial to apply as soon as possible to secure the £150 discount before funds are depleted.
The discount will be applied directly to energy bills, but the process for claiming it differs by region. While most households in England and Wales will receive the discount automatically, those in Scotland will need to apply directly with their energy supplier.
Who Qualifies for the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is available to households receiving certain means-tested benefits. If you or someone in your household is receiving one of the following benefits, you could qualify for the £150 discount:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
For older people in Scotland who receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and are named on the electricity bill (or if their partner or legal representative is), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance states:
You will likely receive the Warm Home Discount automatically.
However, other households in Scotland receiving means-tested benefits will need to apply directly with their energy supplier.
Expansion of the Scheme and Increased Eligibility
This year’s Warm Home Discount scheme has been expanded significantly. Over 6 million households will benefit from the £150 discount, marking an increase of 2.7 million households compared to previous years. This includes 900,000 additional families with children and a total of 1.8 million households in fuel poverty.
In Scotland, 240,000 households will receive the discount for the first time this winter.
Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, commented on the expansion of the scheme, saying:
We took decisive action earlier this year to expand the Warm Home Discount, giving more working families certainty and peace of mind before winter. I now want to make sure as many eligible households as possible get £150 off their energy bill, putting more money in their pockets as part of our Plan for Change.
If you know someone who might be eligible — please start spreading the word to family and friends, encouraging them to check they are named on their energy bill.
Energy Bill Increases: A Double Whammy
Although the Warm Home Discount provides some relief, it’s important to be aware of additional financial pressures. Ofgem recently announced that energy bills will rise by 2% this autumn, adding £35 to the annual cost of energy for the average household.
Starting on October 1, household energy bills for those on the standard tariff will increase from £1,720 to £1,755 per year. This increase translates to around £2.93 more per month for the average household.
This increase is a direct result of the price cap adjustments, which are made every three months by Ofgem. The cap sets a maximum price that energy suppliers can charge per kilowatt hour of energy. However, it’s important to remember that the price cap does not limit total energy bills—so if you use more energy, your bill will increase.
37% of customers are now on fixed tariffs, which means they are protected from this price increase. For others, the rise could be more challenging to absorb.
The price cap will remain in effect from October 1, 2025, until December 31, 2025. So, if you are not on a fixed tariff, it’s essential to plan ahead for higher energy bills in the coming months.
The Warm Frint needs to be applicable to Disabled on DLA/PIP as well as the others listed, if you can’t move around you need to be kept warm all the time, so
this group of people need to be on the list of those entitled too.