THE Warm Home Discount Scheme is due to open for the upcoming winter next week, with households able to secure a £150 discount on their energy bills.

With prices soaring many of us will be looking to save money on our gas and electric in the upcoming months.

This is how you can apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and how to find out if you are eligible or not.

What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off discount on your electricity bill worth £150.

The money is not paid directly to you but is taken off of your energy bills between October 2022 and March 2023.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead of your electricity bill if your supplier provides you with both and you are eligible.

The discount does not affect your Cold Weather Payment of Winter Fuel Payment.

Who is eligible for Warm Home Discount Scheme?

Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Scheme varies depending on if you live in Wales or England, or if you live in Scotland.

If you live in either Wales or England, you qualify for the scheme if you either:

  • get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as ‘core group 1’
  • are on a low income and have high energy costs - known as ‘core group 2’

While those living in Scotland are eligible if they either:

  • get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’
  • are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’

The Warm Home Discount scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.

How to apply for Warm Home Discount Scheme

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, or are on low income in England or Wales, the scheme opens on November 14.

The Government guidance says: “You’ll receive a letter between November 2022 and January 2023 telling you about the discount if you’re eligible.

“Most eligible households will receive an automatic discount. Your letter will say if you need to call a helpline by February 28, 2023 to confirm your details.

“If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2023.”

If you live in Scotland and do not get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit you may be able to apply directly to your electricity supplier. All the following must apply:

  • your energy supplier is part of the scheme
  • you (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits or tax credits
  • your name (or your partner’s) is on the bill

The Government guidance says: “Your electricity supplier decides who can get the discount in Scotland.

“The number of discounts suppliers can give is limited. Check with your supplier as early as possible to see if you’re eligible and how to apply.

“Check with them even if you were eligible for a discount last year.

“If you are eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2023.”