30 July 2026
If you receive Pension Credit or another means tested benefit, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.
As a result of campaigning by AGE UK with other partner organisations, the Government has just expanded the main energy support scheme - the Warm Home Discount - to any household that receives a means-tested benefit. Previously, this discount was only offered to some households.
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier if you're living on a low income or pension. You can find out more about how this works and if you might be eligible on the UK Government website.
Energy price rises continue to be a big worry for us all, especially for many older people. Age UK's research on the cost of living showed that a quarter (25%) of older people find energy costs unaffordable, and that more than a quarter (28%) are struggling financially.
Thanks to this change, we'll see at least £41 million extra a year of energy support to pensioner households. On top of that, the scheme has been extended for an additional five years. That means this change will provide more than £240m of extra money to pensioners until 2030/31.
If you’re worried (the information is suitable for everyone, not just older people) about your energy bills, you can visit AGE Uk's website for more information or use their free benefits calculator to see if you’re entitled to any extra help. If you’d like to speak to someone instead, or if you need support, call Age UK's Advice Line on 0800 169 65 65, available 365 days a year from 8am to 7pm, or visit their website. You can find out more about the Warm Home Discount on the UK Government website.
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