You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2020 to 2021 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The new scheme will open on 12 October 2020.
The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.
The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
Eligibility
There are 2 ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:
- you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit – known as the ‘core group’
- you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme – known as the ‘broader group’
How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depends on how you qualify for the discount.
If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
You qualify for the discount if on 5 July 2020 all of the following apply:
- your energy supplier is part of the scheme
- your name (or your partner’s) is on the bill
- you are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well)
This is known as being in the ‘core group’.
How to apply
You’ll receive a letter between October and December 2020 telling you how to get the discount if you qualify. Your letter will say if you need to call a helpline by 26 February 2021 to confirm your details. Your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2021.
If you do not get a letter
Contact the Warm Home Discount helpline–after 12 October when the scheme opens– if you do not get the letter and you think you’re eligible for the ‘core group’.
Warm Home Discount helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0214
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges
Warm Home Discount
Blue Zone, Ground Floor Phase 1
Peel Park
Brunel Way
Blackpool
FY4 5ES
Do not contact the Warm Home Discount helpline if you’re not eligible for the ‘core group’.
If you’re on a low income
You may be able to apply directly to your electricity supplier for help if you do not get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit but:
- your energy supplier is part of the scheme
- you’re on a low income
- you get certain means-tested benefits
This is known as being in the ‘broader group’. To get the discount you’ll need to stay with your supplier until it’s paid.
How to apply
Your electricity supplier decides who can get the discount – check with your supplier to see if you’re eligible and how to apply.
Check with your supplier as early as possible. The number of discounts suppliers can give are limited.
Your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2021.
