£150 Warm Home Discount Now Open Early – Cut Your Winter Energy Bills

The Warm Home Discount scheme for Winter 2025/26 is back—and this year, it’s bigger than ever. With applications opening early, an extra 2.7 million households can now access a £150 credit on their energy bills.

More than 6 million UK households are expected to benefit under the expanded criteria. Here’s everything you need to know to claim your £150 energy bill discount before winter sets in.

What’s New This Year? Scheme Expansion & Early Applications

• The “hard-to-heat” requirement has been removed, meaning households on means-tested benefits automatically qualify—no more needing to live in energy-inefficient homes. This expansion adds 2.7 million households, including 900,000 families with children, bringing the total up to 6 million eligible homes.
• Applications typically open in October, but this year suppliers like Octopus Energy, So Energy, Good Energy, and Utilita (until 10 September) have already started accepting applications—so act fast.

Who Is Eligible & How It Works

Eligibility for the £150 credit depends on your location and benefits status:

• If you’re in England or Wales, and were receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit on 24 August 2025, and your name is on the electricity bill, you qualify automatically.
• If you’re in Scotland, households in the core group (Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) receive it automatically; those in the broader group must apply directly to their energy supplier.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Key Date / Deadline	Details
Qualifying Date – 24 August 2025	Name must be on electricity bill and receiving benefit by this date
Early Application Window	Already open with Octopus, So Energy, Good Energy; Utilita until 10 Sep
Letters Issued – Oct to Dec 2025	Automatic eligibility letters sent to households
Rebate Applied By – 31 March 2026	Credit appears on electricity (or dual-fuel) bills
Helpline Deadline – 27 Feb 2026	If prompted by letter, contact helpline before this date

Detailed Breakdown of Eligibility

• Core Group (England & Wales):
  Recipients of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, named on bill. Automatic £150 credit.
• Core Group 2 (England & Wales):
  Households on means-tested benefits as of 24 August 2025. Automatic £150 credit.
• Scotland – Core Group:
  Pension Credit recipients—automatic.
• Scotland – Broader Group:
  Low-income households on means-tested benefits—must apply via supplier; limited funds available.
• Note: Prepayment meter users still qualify—credit may be added to meter or issued via voucher.

Why the Early Opening Matters

By opening applications early, energy suppliers help ensure that regional eligibility—especially for Scotland’s broader group—is maximized. Low-income households can secure their £150 discount before funds run out. This is critically important with rising energy bills ahead of winter.

Why You Should Act Now

• Around 6 million households are eligible this season—much more than previous years.
• The £150 credit could be a lifeline for families facing fuel poverty.
• Applications already open—especially key for those in Scotland on the broader group.
• Being named on the bill by 24 August is essential—so double-check and update your account if needed.

With winter fast approaching, the expanded Warm Home Discount scheme provides a vital boost—£150 off energy bills for millions of low-income households.

The early opening of applications from providers like Octopus, So Energy, Good Energy, and Utilita gives eligible households a head start.

Make sure you’re named on your electricity bill by 24 August, check your eligibility, and act now—especially if you’re in Scotland’s broader group. Don’t miss out on this crucial support ahead of winter.

FAQs