Warm Home Discount: £150 energy bill discount

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme offers a one-off payment of £150 to eligible households in Great Britain, designed to help with energy costs during the colder winter months. This government initiative aims to provide financial relief to low-income and vulnerable households^[1,2].

Understanding schemes like the WHD can help manage your energy costs. Fuse Energy aims to make your energy experience clear and simple, so you always know where you stand with your bills. Click here to see how easy it is to switch to Fuse.

What is the Warm Home Discount scheme?

The WHD scheme is a government initiative that provides financial relief to low-income and vulnerable households across Great Britain. It offers a one-off discount of £150 on electricity bills during the winter period, typically between October and March. This money is not paid directly to you; instead, it is applied as a credit to your electricity account. If you have a prepayment meter, you might receive a voucher to top up your meter.

A one-off payment for eligible households

The £150 discount is a direct reduction on your energy bill, intended to ease the financial pressure of heating your home. The scheme has been confirmed to run until winter 2030/31, ensuring long-term support for households. Beyond this, exploring options like an air source heat pump grant could offer long-term savings on heating costs.

Key features of the scheme

The WHD scheme runs annually, with the payment for the 2026-2027 scheme year expected to be applied between October 2026 and 31 March 2027. While the discount is usually applied to electricity bills, you may be able to request it be applied to your gas bill instead if your supplier provides both gas and electricity (a dual fuel tariff) and you are eligible. You should contact your supplier to find out more about this option.

Who is eligible for the discount?

Eligibility for the WHD varies slightly depending on whether you live in England, Wales, or Scotland. Generally, you (or your partner) must be named on the electricity bill and receive certain means-tested benefits on a specific qualifying date. For the 2026-2027 scheme year, the qualifying date is 23 August 2026.

Core group 1: automatically eligible

In England and Wales, you are typically eligible for Core Group 1 if you (or your partner) receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. If you qualify under this group, you should receive a letter from the government confirming your eligibility, and the discount is usually applied automatically.

Core group 2: low income and high energy costs

For England and Wales, Core Group 2 applies to households on a low income who receive certain means-tested benefits. As of winter 2025/26, the "high-cost-to-heat" threshold has been removed, meaning more households on qualifying benefits are now eligible.

Qualifying benefits for Core Group 2 include:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-related ESA
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• The Savings Credit element of Pension Credit

Eligibility in Scotland

The WHD scheme operates slightly differently in Scotland. There are two groups:

• Core group: This applies to individuals receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Similar to England and Wales, these households typically receive the discount automatically.
• Broader group: This group generally includes low-income individuals receiving certain means-tested benefits. Unlike England and Wales, many in Scotland's Broader Group may need to apply directly to their energy supplier. Eligibility criteria for the Broader Group can vary between suppliers, so it is essential to check with yours.

How to claim your Warm Home Discount

The process for claiming your WHD depends on your eligibility group and location.

Automatic payments: what to expect

If you live in England or Wales and are eligible under Core Group 1 or 2, you generally do not need to apply. The government uses data matching to identify eligible households and will send you a letter between November and December confirming your eligibility. This letter will also advise if you need to take any further action, such as calling a helpline to confirm details.

Applying for the discount: step-by-step

If you live in Scotland and fall into the Broader Group, or if you are in England/Wales and have not received a letter but believe you are eligible, you may need to apply.

1. Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for your region and group.
2. Look out for a letter: In England and Wales, wait for the government's confirmation letter (between November and December).
3. Contact your supplier (Scotland broader group): If you are in Scotland's Broader Group, apply directly to your energy supplier when applications open, typically from October. Funds for the Broader Group can be limited, so applying early is advisable.
4. Follow instructions: If your letter asks you to call the WHD helpline, ensure you do so before it closes at the end of February.

Important deadlines and actions

The qualifying date for the 2026-2027 scheme is 23 August 2026. The scheme officially reopens in October 2026, and the discount must be applied to eligible bills by 31 March 2027. If you believe you are eligible but have not received a letter before January, contact the WHD helpline.

When and how the discount is applied

Once your eligibility is confirmed, your energy supplier will apply the £150 discount directly to your electricity account.

Payment timeline: October to March

The £150 discount is typically applied to electricity bills between October and March. For the 2026-2027 scheme, payments will be made between November 2026 and 31 March 2027, with many customers receiving it before January 2027. Payment timings can vary between suppliers. For Fuse Energy customers, the discount is applied between December and March.

How the discount appears on your bill

The £150 will appear as a credit on your electricity bill. If you pay by Direct Debit, the money will usually go into your account automatically. If you use a prepayment meter, your supplier will inform you how to receive the discount, often through a voucher. Understanding how different payment methods work, including Cash Top-Up, can help you manage your energy account effectively. If you have any debt on your account at the time of payment, the WHD may first be used to reduce your outstanding balance.

What if you switch energy suppliers?

You will receive the £150 rebate from the company that was supplying your electricity on the qualifying date (23 August 2026 for the 2026-2027 scheme). If you switch suppliers after this date, your previous supplier is responsible for paying your WHD.

Troubleshooting: if you have not received your discount

If you expected the WHD but have not received it, there are steps you can take.

Checking your eligibility status

First, confirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria for your region and group, and that your name (or your partner's) was on the electricity bill on the qualifying date. If you were meant to receive a letter but have not, or if you need to confirm details, you may need to contact the WHD helpline.

Contacting the Warm Home Discount scheme helpline

The WHD helpline is a crucial resource for queries. The helpline typically opens in mid-November and closes at the end of February each scheme year. The phone number is 0800 030 9322. They can help if you have not received a letter, need to confirm eligibility, or believe you should have received the discount.

What to do if you disagree with a decision

If you have confirmation of your eligibility but have not received the discount by 31 March 2027, contact your electricity supplier first. If your supplier cannot resolve the issue, you can write to the WHD Scheme directly. Ensure you include your name, address, date of birth, any reference number from your confirmation letter, your electricity supplier's name and account number, and the name of the person on the electricity bill on the qualifying date if different from yours.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.

References

1. Citizens Advice. Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
2. UK Government. Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview