Warm Home Discount (WHD) letters landed on doorsteps across the UK yesterday (9th December 2025), and many disabled people, carers and households with long-term health conditions are anxious to understand what this means for their winter energy bills. This updated 2025 guide shows who gets a letter, what the £150 rebate covers, how the eligibility rules work, and what to do if you think the scheme has overlooked you.

At a Glance

Warm Home Discount letters going out across the UK.
Eligible households receive a £150 credit on electricity bills this winter.
The rebate is not paid in cash — it is applied automatically by your supplier.
You may be asked to call the helpline to confirm details before a deadline.
Disabled households often qualify due to higher energy use and means-tested benefits.
Not receiving a letter today doesn’t mean you’re not eligible.

What is the Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount gives you a one-off £150 credit on your electricity bill between October and March each year.

Participating suppliers add the credit automatically, and the scheme supports low-income, disabled and vulnerable households during winter.

Why Letters are Being Sent Now?

Suppliers start posting letters from yesterday, the letter is to confirm whether you:

Will get the discount automatically, or
Need to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline before a deadline

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) matches your benefits data with your energy supplier to decide eligibility.

Eligibility for 2025

Eligibility is based on a number of factors, broken down into different groups:

1. Core Group (Pensioners)

You qualify automatically if:

You get Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Your supplier is part of the scheme

2. Low-Income Group (England & Wales)

You may qualify if:

You receive a qualifying benefit

Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Income-related ESA
Income-based JSA
Income Support
Tax Credits
Pension Credit (Savings Credit)

Full list for low income eligibility

Your home is classed as having high energy costs

The government uses a property-based model for this. You can read about the energy cost model on the government website.

Your supplier participates

Ofgem updates the list of participating suppliers every year on its website.

Disability and Eligibility

Disability benefits alone do not guarantee eligibility.
However, disabled households are more likely to qualify because:

They often receive qualifying means-tested benefits
They typically use more heating
Some rely on medical equipment
Time spent at home is usually higher

To find out more you can review the government consultation confirming disability-related vulnerability.

Purpl Insight: If you rely on higher home heating due to mobility issues, temperature regulation needs or medical equipment, make sure your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit claim reflects these costs. Accurate benefit information improves the chances of the Warm Home Discount matching you correctly.

If You Didn’t Receive a Letter Yet

You may still receive one later as letters are sent in stages.

Reasons you may not have had one yet include:

Benefits updated recently
Address updated late at DWP
Supplier switch
Postal delays
DWP checks still processing

Official guidance and further information can be found on the government website.

What to do When Your Letter Arrives

If it says you’ll get the discount automatically:

Nothing to do — it will be applied later in winter.

If it tells you to call the helpline:

Call immediately. Some cases have strict deadlines.

Warm Home Discount Helpline:
0800 107 8002

If your letter says you’re not eligible but you disagree:

You can request a review using the details on your letter.

Purpl Tip: If your letter asks you to call the helpline, try calling early in the morning when phone lines are quieter. This can reduce wait times and helps make sure your information is updated quickly so you don’t risk missing the deadline.

When the £150 will be Applied

Your supplier adds the credit to your bill between December 2025 and March 2026. Ofgem confirms how each supplier handles the process.

Purpl Tip:
Set up text or email alerts with your energy supplier if they offer them. These alerts help you track when the £150 shows on your account, especially if you use a prepayment or smart prepay meter.

Extra Support for Disabled People

Winter can bring additional risks for disabled people who rely on:

Temperature regulation
Increased indoor time
Mobility support
Medical devices

Purpl Tip: Join your supplier’s Priority Services Register (PSR) for extra support during outages or emergencies.

How WHD Works with Other Winter Payments

Warm Home Discount does not affect:

Avoiding Scams

Scammers often target WHD recipients.

The Warm Home Discount team will never ask for:

Bank details
Payments
Secure logins

Official GOV.UK scam guidance

Purpl Insight: Always check the sender’s address on letters or emails. Official Warm Home Discount letters come from the Department for Work and Pensions or your energy supplier — never from third-party companies or unfamiliar email domains.

Key Contacts

Warm Home Discount Helpline
0800 107 8002

Scotland Helpline
0808 808 2244

Summary

Warm Home Discount letters started arriving yesterday (9th December 2025), and the £150 credit gives essential support to many disabled people, carers and low-income households this winter. If your letter says you qualify automatically, you can wait for the credit to show on your account. If your letter tells you to call the helpline, make the call as soon as possible so you don’t miss the deadline. And if you disagree with the decision in your letter, you can request a review.

If you haven’t receive a letter yet, don’t worry — suppliers send them in stages over the coming weeks. Stay informed and check your post regularly so you don’t miss out on support you qualify for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Warm Home Discount 2025

When will I receive my Warm Home Discount letter?
Letters start going out from 9th December, but many are sent in batches over several weeks. Not receiving one on the first day does not mean you’re not eligible.

How much is the Warm Home Discount this year?
The discount remains £150, applied directly to your electricity bill. It is not paid as cash.

Do I need to apply for the Warm Home Discount?
Most people do not need to apply. If you qualify automatically, your letter will confirm this. If the DWP needs more information, your letter will tell you to call the helpline.

What should I do if I’m asked to call the Warm Home Discount helpline?
Call as soon as possible. Some cases are time-sensitive, and missing the deadline could mean missing the £150.

What number do I call for the Warm Home Discount?
Warm Home Discount Helpline (England & Wales): 0800 107 8002 Scotland Helpline: 0808 808 2244

What if I haven’t received a Warm Home Discount letter but think I’m eligible?
You may still receive one. Suppliers post letters in phases. If you believe you should get one, wait for the helpline to fully open and then call to check.

Can I get the Warm Home Discount if I’m disabled?
Yes, many disabled households qualify through the low-income group criteria. Disability benefits alone do not qualify you, but higher energy use, means-tested benefits and the government’s energy-cost model often result in eligibility.

Does my Warm Home Discount affect my other winter payments?
No. It does not affect your Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment, Cost of Living Payments or any local Household Support Fund support.

When will the £150 credit appear on my bill
Most suppliers apply the discount between December and March. It will show on your online account or as a credit on your next statement.

How do I know if my energy supplier takes part?
The official Ofgem list is updated each year.

Can I challenge the decision if I’m told I’m not eligible?
Yes. Your letter includes instructions on how to request a review.

What happens if I switch energy suppliers this winter?
You may still receive the discount, but it depends on the timing of your switch and whether both suppliers take part. Check with your new supplier as soon as possible.

About the Author

Georgina, founder of Purpl, smiling in a pink patterned dress against a pastel background. Beside her, a message highlights her commitment to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts while advocating for accessibility, financial support, and independence. | Purpl disabled discounts, accessibility savings UK.

Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges that often come with managing a disability. Because of this, her mission is to collaborate with brands to secure discounts that help ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.

As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina also knows how it feels to lose a sense of independence due to a disability. For that reason, she’s deeply passionate about using holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Ultimately, her goal is to make Purpl a trusted, go-to resource for disabled people — one that provides not only discounts but also practical advice, emotional support, and genuine financial relief.

Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation that will offer grants and funding for disabled people who need additional financial support. Through this, she hopes to create lasting change, empowering others to live with dignity, confidence, and choice.

Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.

Other articles, or links, you might find useful:

Stay Warm and Safe this Winter: Tips for Disabled People
EDF Warm Home Discount Scheme: Energy Help and Support
Warm Home Discount – Could You Save £150 on Your Heating Bills This Year?
Energy Bills Are Going Up Again – Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Get Help)

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Warm Home Discount 2025: Have You Received Your Letter? What You Need to Know