Two cold-weather supports can take a chunk off your winter energy bills in the UK: the Warm Home Discount (£150 off your electricity) and the Cold Weather Payment (£25 for each very cold week). Many people get them automatically — but it’s worth checking you’re not missing out.
Quick facts
- Warm Home Discount
- £150 off your electricity bill
- Cold Weather Payment
- £25 for each 7-day very cold spell
- Who
- People on Pension Credit or certain low-income benefits
- When
- Over the winter months
Warm Home Discount
- A £150 one-off discount on your electricity bill (or added to your meter if you’re on prepayment).
- You usually qualify if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, or you’re on a low income with high energy costs and a qualifying benefit.
- For most people it’s now applied automatically — you’ll get a letter — but check with your supplier if you think you qualify and haven’t heard.
Cold Weather Payment
How it fits with the Winter Fuel Payment
These are separate from the Winter Fuel Payment (a payment towards heating for eligible pensioners). You can receive more than one of these supports in the same winter if you qualify — see our Winter Fuel Payment guide for that one.
Common questions
Do I need to apply for the Warm Home Discount?
Is the Cold Weather Payment automatic?
What about Scotland?
Can I get these and the Winter Fuel Payment?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
Keep going
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