Hundreds of thousands of state pensioners across the UK are set to receive a welcome financial boost this winter, with a fresh £150 discount being applied to their energy bills.
What is the Warm Home Discount and who qualifies?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is administering the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which provides a one-off £150 payment directly to energy suppliers to be credited to eligible households' electricity accounts. The key qualifying date for the current scheme was 24 August 2025.
You will qualify automatically if, on that date, your energy supplier was part of the scheme, your name (or your partner's) was on the electricity bill, and you or your partner were receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. This applies even if you also receive Savings Credit.
This group is known as 'core group 1' in England and Wales, and simply the 'core group' in Scotland. Those on a low income who do not receive Guarantee Credit may also be eligible, but may need to provide more information.
What you need to do and key deadlines
Eligible pensioners in the core group should have received a letter from the DWP between late October 2025 and early January 2026. The letter will confirm if you need to take any action.
If you have not received a letter by early January 2026 but believe you are eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme helpline before 28 February 2026.
There is an important exception for residents of Scotland: if you applied directly to your energy supplier, you will not get a DWP letter and should contact your supplier instead for information.
What happens next with your discount
If your letter confirms automatic eligibility, you do not need to do anything. Your electricity supplier will apply the £150 discount to your bill by 31 March 2026.
If your letter asks for more information, you must call the provided helpline by the 28 February 2026 deadline to confirm your details and secure the payment.
This vital support is designed to help older and vulnerable households manage their energy costs during the coldest months of the year.
