If so you may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme giving £150 towards your electricity bill for winter 2025-2026.  

The government has relaxed the Warm Home Discount scheme this year. All households in England and Wales who have a billpayer receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit should get the discount automatically, as long as the supplier is part of the scheme. Previously the dwelling had to be “hard to heat” with  a low energy rating to qualify, however that criteria has now been scrapped.

England & Wales

If you're in England or Wales, you should get it automatically if the billpayer receives one of the following means-tested benefits on 25 August 2025 (the qualifying date for the payment).

• Housing Benefit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit.

All suppliers with over 1,000 customers are required to offer the Warm Home Discount, so virtually all providers will. However if you're with one that doesn't you won't get the Warm Home Discount so if in doubt contact your provider and check.

How you get the discount depends on how you pay for your electricity. However you pay, the £150 will almost always be a discount on your bill, not a cash payment.

• If you're on a standard credit or smart prepayment meter. You should get the £150 automatically added as credit on your electricity account sometime between October 2025 and March 2026. You should receive a letter by early January, confirming your discount.
• If you're on a traditional prepayment meter. You should be sent a top-up voucher, by post, email or text, though some may receive a cheque. You have 90 days to redeem the voucher, but your supplier can reissue it if you lose it or it expires.

Scotland

In Scotland you need to apply to your provider. You must be in receipt of certain means tested benefits and various income levels may apply. It is awarded on a “first come” basis with limited funds available. Do contact your provider straight away and they should tell you if or when to scheme is open for applications.

Northern Ireland

There is no equivalent scheme in Northern Ireland.

Park Homes in England, Wales or Scotland

Park Home Residents often don’t have a direct electricity account with a UK energy company. But that doesn't mean you can't get the Warm Home Discount. If eligible, you'll get £150 into your bank account to help towards your winter fuel bill.

The scheme is managed by Charis Grants on behalf of energy suppliers. You need to apply via the Lightning Reach website. Funding is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you apply as early as possible to receive each year.

For Park Home residents there are certain restrictions on income levels so check the Lightening Reach website for details.

To check things out take a look at your providers website or contact them to check if you are eligible for £150 this winter!

Aspire’s Money Matters Service supports people with everyday money issues, including debt problems and budgeting. It is a phone-based service and is available on Mondays and Tuesdays between 9am and 3.30pm.

Money Matters

How we help