What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, particularly as the weather gets colder, you could be eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme - a government benefit to help elderly and vulnerable energy users.

Find out more about the scheme below, including whether you're eligible and how to apply. If you are eligible, we'd also recommend you compare energy suppliers and switch to one that supports the scheme, to ensure you’re getting the best deal available.

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What is Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount scheme is a government led scheme to provide support to low income and vulnerable energy customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

The scheem is regulated by Ofgem and if you're eligible you'll get a one-off annual rebate to help with your energy bill.

Under the scheme, major energy suppliers will provide over £500 million to the oldest, poorest pensioners. This will be paid via a rebate on electricity bills, starting at £120 in 2011/12 and rising in subsequent years.

Who is eligible for Warm Home Discount?

Pensioners eligible for the scheme include those under 80 who receive only the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (no Savings Credit), and those over 80 and who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, even if Savings Credit is also received.

You’ll qualify for the rebate automatically if you were getting the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit (with or without Savings Credit) on July 7, 2019.

Assistance may also be available for those on low income with a disability, long term illness or those with young children. However, the energy suppliers have their own eligibility criteria (approved by Ofgem) for non-pensioners and have a limit on the number of customers who can benefit.

How much is Warm Home Discount?

For 2019/20, the Warm Home Discount rebate is £140 (including VAT), and it will come directly from your energy company. If you have switched energy supplier since July 7, 2019, your rebate will come from your old supplier, so make sure you get in touch with them to check.

Will the Warm Home Discount affect other benefits?

Discounts paid under the Warm Home Discount Scheme will not affect any Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment you may receive. These are additional payments to the Warm Home Discount, available to those who meet certain criteria such as low income or who receive income–related employment benefit.

Who to contact about Warm Home Discount

If you have a general query regarding the scheme call the Warm Home Discount Scheme Help Line on 0845 603 9439 (Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm).

Which Energy Suppliers are involved in the scheme?

  • Atlantic
  • British Gas
  • EDF Energy
  • E.ON
  • Equipower (Ebico)
  • Equigas (Ebico)
  • First Utility
  • Manweb - see ScottishPower
  • M&S Energy
  • npower
  • Sainsbury’s Energy
  • Scottish Gas - see British Gas
  • Scottish Hydro
  • ScottishPower
  • Southern Electric
  • SSE
  • SWALEC
  • Utility Warehouse

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