Warm Home Discount (WHD): eligibility, payments & help switching
Find out if you could receive a Warm Home Discount rebate on your electricity bill, what you need to do (or not do), and compare whole-of-market home energy deals in one place.
- Check how Warm Home Discount works and who qualifies
- Understand Automatic vs Broader Group support
- Compare energy suppliers and tariffs to reduce bills
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. We’ll ask a few details to tailor results and help you switch.
Compare home energy deals alongside Warm Home Discount support
The Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a government-backed scheme that provides a rebate on electricity bills for eligible households. It can help, but it may not be your only option for reducing costs. Switching tariff or supplier can also lower your ongoing unit rates and standing charges.
Use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market home energy options. If you’re eligible for WHD, you can still switch—what matters is following the correct steps and ensuring your details are up to date.
Good to know: Warm Home Discount is usually applied as a credit to your electricity account (or via alternative arrangements for some households). Eligibility and administration can vary by nation and supplier.
What you’ll get from this form
- Tailored energy deal comparison based on your postcode
- Help understanding WHD basics and what to check before switching
- Optional contact so we can assist you with next steps
Get whole-of-market deals
Fill in a few details. We’ll use them to show relevant tariffs and help you switch.
Important: If you’re in debt with your current supplier or use a prepayment meter, switching may still be possible, but there can be extra checks. See FAQs for guidance.
Why use EnergyPlus when looking at Warm Home Discount?
Whole-of-market comparison
See a broad range of home energy tariffs (not just a handful). Compare prices, contract length and features in one place.
Clear WHD guidance
Understand what the Warm Home Discount is, how it’s applied, and what to check before you switch suppliers.
Support for real households
Whether you’re on a standard tariff, fixed deal, or prepayment, we help you find options that make sense for your home.
What is the Warm Home Discount (WHD)?
The Warm Home Discount is a scheme that provides a one-off rebate on eligible households’ electricity costs during winter. The rebate is typically applied as a credit to your electricity account (or provided through alternative arrangements where applicable).
The scheme is primarily designed to support people on lower incomes and those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of cold homes. It’s separate from the Winter Fuel Payment and differs from cold weather payments/other local support.
WHD does
- Provide a winter rebate for eligible households
- Reduce what you owe (or add credit) on your electricity account
- Help alongside other energy-saving actions like switching tariff
WHD doesn’t
- Guarantee the cheapest tariff—shopping around can still matter
- Automatically apply to every low-income household in every nation
- Replace other support such as local council assistance schemes
Accuracy note: WHD rules and the way it’s administered can change between scheme years and across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Always confirm the latest position with your supplier and/or official government guidance.
Warm Home Discount eligibility (UK)
Eligibility can depend on where you live in the UK and your circumstances. In some areas, eligibility is determined automatically from government data; in others, you may need to apply through your supplier if a "broader group" option is available.
Automatic support (where applicable)
Some households are identified automatically based on benefits and household information. If you’re eligible, you may receive a letter confirming this and the supplier will apply the rebate.
- Typically no application form needed
- Make sure your supplier account details match your current circumstances
- Keep an eye out for letters/emails during the scheme period
Broader group (supplier-led, where offered)
Some suppliers may offer support to additional low-income or vulnerable customers. Criteria and application windows can vary.
- You may need to apply directly to your electricity supplier
- Places can be limited and first-come-first-served (depending on supplier rules)
- Evidence may be required (e.g. benefits/low income documentation)
Quick checklist before you rely on WHD
1) Your supplier
Not every supplier participates in the same way each year. Confirm participation and eligibility route.
2) Your details
Name, address and meter details should match what your supplier holds—especially if you’ve recently moved.
3) Timing
Scheme letters and application windows happen in a set period. Don’t wait until the end of winter to check.
Want to reduce bills regardless of eligibility? Compare whole-of-market energy deals and see if a better tariff could cut costs across the year.
How Warm Home Discount is applied to your bill
Most eligible households receive the Warm Home Discount as a credit on their electricity bill. The timing can vary, but it’s usually applied during the winter scheme period.
Check eligibility route
You may be identified automatically or you may need to apply (if your supplier offers a broader group option). Keep any letters/emails you receive.
Supplier applies the credit
If eligible, your electricity supplier usually applies the rebate to your account, reducing what you owe or adding credit.
Confirm on your bill / account
Look for a line item on your electricity statement or in your online account. If you can’t see it, contact the supplier and quote any reference numbers from letters.
Consider switching for ongoing savings
WHD is a one-off rebate; your tariff affects every day of the year. Compare unit rates and standing charges to see if you could reduce costs longer term.
Warm Home Discount: key points at a glance
| Topic | What to expect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Payment type | Usually a credit applied to your electricity account (alternative arrangements may apply in some cases). | Check your bill/online account and keep any eligibility letters. |
| Eligibility | Automatic eligibility for some households; broader group applications may exist depending on supplier and nation. | Confirm rules for your area and supplier; update account details if you’ve moved. |
| Switching supplier | Switching can be allowed, but timing and supplier rules matter—especially for broader group applications. | If applying, read the supplier’s WHD guidance first; then compare tariffs with EnergyPlus. |
| Best next step | WHD helps once; your tariff impacts costs all year. | Compare whole-of-market deals and check the total annual estimate. |
Common Warm Home Discount mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Assuming you must stay with one supplier
WHD is separate from your tariff choice. However, if you need to apply under a broader group, switching at the wrong time could complicate the application. Check your supplier’s process first.
Not updating account details after moving
Name/address mismatches can cause delays. Make sure your electricity account is in the correct name and the supply address is accurate.
Missing application windows
Where applications exist, suppliers may open and close them within set dates and, in some cases, limit the number accepted. Act early.
Only looking at the rebate, not your annual costs
A one-off rebate can help, but a more suitable tariff could reduce monthly costs as well. Compare unit rates, standing charges and contract terms.
Tip: If you use a prepayment meter, also ask about emergency credit, friendly hours and whether credit can be applied to your meter or account (supplier dependent).
Other ways to reduce energy bills alongside WHD
If you’re eligible for Warm Home Discount, that’s helpful—but many households can also save by tightening up their tariff and usage. Here are practical, low-effort actions:
Compare tariffs
Look at the full picture: unit rate, standing charge, contract length and exit fees (if any).
Submit meter readings
Accurate readings can prevent estimated bills and help you budget. Smart meters can also help track usage.
Check help from your supplier
Ask about payment plans, priority services (PSR), and hardship support if you’re struggling.
If you want personalised options, start with our comparison form and we’ll help you review deals suitable for your home.
Warm Home Discount FAQs
Is the Warm Home Discount the same as Winter Fuel Payment?
No. Warm Home Discount is a rebate on eligible households’ electricity costs during winter. Winter Fuel Payment is a separate payment for eligible people, with its own rules.
Can I switch energy supplier if I’m eligible for WHD?
Often yes, but it depends on your circumstances and timing. If your support is automatic, switching may be straightforward. If you need to apply under a broader group, read your supplier’s WHD guidance carefully before switching, as applications can be supplier-specific.
I have a prepayment meter—how does the rebate work?
It’s usually applied as credit, but the method can vary by supplier and meter type. Your supplier may apply it to your account or arrange a voucher/top-up method. If in doubt, contact your supplier to confirm exactly how they apply WHD.
Do I need to apply?
In some parts of the UK and for certain households, eligibility is determined automatically. Where broader group support exists, you may need to apply through your electricity supplier during their application window.
Will WHD show on my bill?
Typically yes—look for a credit on your electricity statement or in your online account. If it’s missing and you believe you qualify, contact your supplier and refer to any letters you received.
Does being eligible for WHD mean I’m already on the best tariff?
Not necessarily. WHD is a support scheme; your tariff pricing is separate. Comparing tariffs can help you reduce costs across the year, not just via a one-off rebate.
Need help now? If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier as soon as possible to discuss payment plans and support options. You may also be able to access local support via your council.
Trusted by UK households looking to cut energy costs
“The comparison was straightforward and helped me understand my options quickly.”
— Homeowner, Manchester
“I wasn’t sure how switching worked with support schemes—this explained what to check.”
— Tenant, Cardiff
“Good to see multiple suppliers in one place and compare total cost, not just headline prices.”
— Family household, Glasgow
We aim to provide clear comparisons for UK homes. Tariff availability, prices and eligibility criteria can change—always review supplier terms before switching.
Ready to reduce your home energy costs?
Whether you qualify for the Warm Home Discount or not, comparing tariffs can help you take control of your bills. Share a few details and see whole-of-market options.
- Fast comparison with postcode-based results
- Support for standard credit and prepayment customers
- Switch with confidence—clear next steps
No scripts on this page. Switching is subject to supplier checks and your circumstances.
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