15 November 2022 
5min to read 
The Warm Home Discount has just reopened for the winter of 2022-2023. This government grant was put together to help low-income households get by during the winter.
Amidst the ongoing energy crisis, it seems like this government scheme will prove especially invaluable this season. Read on to find out what the Warm Home Discount is, whether you’re eligible and how to claim it.
⛔️ 500,000 households may no longer be eligible for the Warm Home Discount
Previously, claiming Disability Living Allowance and/or Personal Independence Payments would make you eligible for the Warm Home Discount. However, the government has recently scrapped this, leaving 500,000 households at risk of ineligibility.
Because of this, we recommend that you check your eligibility by calling 0800 731 0214.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a government grant put together to help low-income and/or elderly households save on energy bills during the winter. The payment is a one-off discount of £150 that will automatically be taken from your energy bills. This discount can be taken off of any form of energy – whether it be gas or electricity.
How much is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount has been raised this year from £140 to £150. This is due to the rising cost of living around the UK. However, this will still only be a one-off payment made to you as an automatic discount on your energy bills.
Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
To receive the Warm Home Discount, you’ll have to fit into one of these two groups:
Core Group 1: This group was added in August of 2022 to aid people during the UK energy crisis. It states that customers who are eligible for the Guarantee Pension Credit or Savings Credit will automatically be able to claim the Warm Home Discount.
Broader Group: Even if you don’t claim either of the above benefits, you’ll be eligible for the Warm Home Discount if:
- You come from a low-income household,
- You claim a means-tested benefit, i.e. income support or income-based jobseekers’ allowance.
- Your household meets the high energy consumption threshold.
We know this sounds a bit tricky to decipher, but don’t worry. If you’re eligible, your supplier will automatically reach out to you and let you know. Alternatively, you can always reach out to your supplier to find out.
📅 There is a deadline to apply for Pension Credit!
While you aren’t able to claim the Warm Home Discount (it is automatically applied to you if you’re eligible), you are able to claim Pension Credit. This is a benefit that assists you with living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It’s also one of the criteria needed to be eligible for the Warm Home Discount. The deadline to apply for Pension Credit is November 18th, 2022.
How do I apply for the Warm Home Discount?
If you’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount, you won’t need to apply. The discount will be automatically taken off of your energy bills between November 2022 and March 2023. You should receive a letter between November 2022 and January 2023 notifying you if your household meets the requirements. After this, the discount should be taken off of your energy bills automatically.
However, you can check your eligibility for the Warm Home Discount as of November 14th, 2022, simply by calling the government’s phone helpline at 0800 107 8002.
Which energy suppliers offer the Warm Home Discount?
Odds are, your energy supplier offers the Warm Home Discount. As of 2020, all energy companies with over 150,000 clients have been required to take part in the Warm Home Discount scheme. This means that all of the “Big Six” suppliers offer it.
Also, some other great energy suppliers offer the Warm Home Discount:
- Co-Op /Octopus Energy
- OVO
- Shell Energy
- Utility Warehouse
To find a full list of the energy suppliers that offer the Warm Home Discount, check out this page on GOV.UK.
What other government schemes for energy are available?
What is Cold Weather Payment?
The Cold Weather Payment is another form of government aid used to help people during the winter season. You’ll receive this payment if you’re claiming certain benefits and/or if the average temperature in your region is forecasted to be zero degrees or below for a week consecutively. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive £25 for each week-long period of cold weather between the 1st of November and the 31st of March.
What is Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payment is another government scheme used to provide aid to pensioners. Individuals born before the 25th of September 1956 are eligible to claim between £250 to £600 to help cover their energy bills.
Like the Warm Home Discount, the Winter Fuel Payment will be taken off of your energy bills automatically – you won’t need to apply for it. However, if you don’t receive State Pension or other social security benefits, you may need to make a claim for it. The deadline to make a claim for the winter of 2022 to 2023 is March 31st, 2023.
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