Millions of households across 22 energy suppliers could receive a £150 discount on their energy bills.
The scheme provides a one-off deduction that helps vulnerable households manage their energy costs during the colder months.
Millions of households across Britain could receive £150 reductions on their energy bills through the Warm Home Discount scheme.
According to Government information, the discount is typically applied automatically to electricity bills, and sometimes gas bills, between October and March when energy usage peaks.
The programme targets households receiving specific means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Recent changes to eligibility criteria mean that 2.7 million additional households will qualify for support this winter, as the previous requirement for properties to have a high energy cost score has been removed.
Full list of energy firms offering free £150 boost to millions of households
PAThe discount operates as an automatic deduction for qualifying households, eliminating the need for most recipients to apply separately.
Households are divided into different eligibility groups based on their circumstances.
Core group one includes those receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, whilst core group two encompasses households claiming various other means-tested benefits.
Core group two applies to households on the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- the "Savings Credit" part of Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
To qualify for the 2025/26 scheme, households must have been claiming either Guarantee Credit or other qualifying benefits on August 24 this year.
The scheme operates across England, Wales and Scotland, though Scottish households in the "broader group" may need to apply through their energy supplier rather than receiving automatic payments.
Recipients must also meet specific income thresholds and household composition requirements.
Recipients must also meet specific income thresholds and household composition requirements
GETTYScottish households face slightly different arrangements, with those on Guarantee Credit receiving automatic payments as the "core group", whilst others in the "broader group" must apply via their energy firm.
Energy companies may establish additional criteria beyond the standard benefit requirements.
Prepayment meter customers remain eligible for the scheme, with suppliers providing vouchers to top up meters rather than direct bill deductions.
Qualifying households should receive notification letters between October and January confirming their eligibility and explaining how they will receive their discount.
The 22 participating energy suppliers include major providers across the UK market
GETTYThe 22 participating energy suppliers include major providers across the UK market:
- 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
- British Gas/Scottish Gas
- E
- Ecotricity
- E.ON Next
- EDF
- Fuse Energy
- Good Energy
- Home Energy
- London Power
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse
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