What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

Launched in 2011, the Warm Home Scheme could save you over £100 this winter.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government funded energy initiative that could be saving you up to £140 in 2018. If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, you could be eligible for the initiative and receive a one-off discount toward your energy bill.

Are you eligible?

There are two ways to be eligible for this scheme. The ‘core group’ are those who get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. If you are part of this group, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) should be contacting you this autumn to inform you about the next steps in the process. The DWP will also contact your energy provider, which means you shouldn’t have to fill out applications forms.

If you think you might be eligible, but haven’t been contacted yet, you should contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme team on 0345 603 9439, who you can call Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

There is also the ‘broader group’, or those who qualify because they are on a low income and meet an energy provider’s criteria for the scheme. You will meet this requirements if your energy provider is part of the scheme, you’re on a low income, and you get certain means-tested benefits. Unlike with the core group, you will need to make a claim on your provider’s website or by calling them. You will also have to stay with your supplier until the discount is paid.

And for households that pre-pay for their energy or use pay-as-you-go meters, you can still qualify for the discount. The discount won’t come in the form of cash, but will go directly to the energy supplier or arrive in the form of a voucher or similar product.

Who gives the discount?

The rebate will be provided directly by your energy provider and most rebates will be granted by February 2019. However, it’s important to note that some energy providers do have to limit the number of rebates they give out. So if you qualify, make sure to sign up for the scheme as soon as possible.

Energy suppliers

There’s a full list of the energy suppliers who take part in the scheme, here. All of the ‘big six’ energy providers, British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON UK, npower, Scottish Power, and SSE, are obliged to be a part of the scheme. However, smaller energy providers are not obliged to take part and others only give the discount to the core group. So if you are part of the broader group, make sure your energy supplier will give you the discount.

More ways to save on energy

If you do not meet the requirements for the Warm Home Discount, there are other programmes that could help you.

The Cold Weather Payment is a government payment that comes into effect when temperatures drop below zero for an extended period of time. While this payment does not happen every year, you should still keep it in mind. There is also the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a tax-free payment of £100 to £300 “to help certain groups of people pay for their heating over winter”.