Navigating financial support schemes like the Warm Home Discount (WHD) can be complex, but understanding your eligibility for Core Group 2 can help you secure a valuable £150 discount on your electricity bill for winter 2026/27. This government initiative aims to help low-income households manage their energy costs during the colder months.
Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're 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. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.
The WHD scheme is a government initiative designed to help low-income households in Great Britain manage their energy costs during the colder months. It provides a one-off discount directly applied to your electricity bill.
What is the Warm Home Discount scheme?
The WHD offers a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill for the winter period, typically between October and March. This is not a cash payment; instead, it is a credit applied by your energy supplier to reduce your overall bill. The scheme runs in England, Scotland, and Wales, with slightly different eligibility criteria depending on where you live.1
The difference between Core Group 1 and Core Group 2
In England and Wales, the WHD scheme primarily targets two groups: Core Group 1 and Core Group 2.
- Core Group 1 generally includes households where the person named on the electricity bill (or their partner) receives the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit on the qualifying date.
- Core Group 2 applies to households where the person named on the electricity bill (or their partner) receives certain means-tested benefits. For winter 2026/27, the "high-cost-to-heat" property test for Core Group 2 in England and Wales has been removed, meaning more households on qualifying benefits can now receive the rebate.
The key distinction is how eligibility is determined. Core Group 1 eligibility is solely based on receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, while Core Group 2 eligibility is based on a broader range of means-tested benefits.
For Core Group 2 in England and Wales, eligibility is determined by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You or your partner must be named on your electricity bill and receive certain means-tested benefits on the qualifying date for the scheme year. The qualifying date for the 2026/27 scheme year is 23 August 2026.
Qualifying benefits for Core Group 2
To qualify for the WHD Core Group 2, you or your partner must be receiving one of the following means-tested benefits on the qualifying date:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- The 'Savings Credit' element of Pension Credit
Disability benefits alone do not guarantee eligibility, though disabled households may be more likely to qualify if they also receive means-tested benefits.
How the DWP determines eligibility
Historically, Core Group 2 eligibility also involved a "high energy cost score" based on property characteristics. However, for winter 2026/27, this "high-cost-to-heat" condition has been removed for England and Wales. This means that if you are on a qualifying means-tested benefit and your name is on the electricity bill, you are eligible without your property's energy costs being assessed.
For most eligible households in England and Wales, the WHD is applied automatically. You do not need to apply if you are in Core Group 2.
Receiving your DWP letter
If you are eligible, the DWP will send you a letter between October 2026 and early January 2027. This letter will confirm your eligibility and explain the next steps. Some letters may advise you to call a helpline to confirm your details.
When and how the £150 is paid
The £150 discount is a one-off payment applied directly to your electricity bill between October and March. Your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2027. If you have a prepayment meter, you may receive the discount via a voucher that can be redeemed at a Post Office or PayPoint shop. Understanding your energy bill can help you identify where the discount has been applied.
If you believe you are eligible for the WHD Core Group 2 but have not received a letter or the discount, there are steps you can take.
Checking your eligibility status
If you have not received a confirmation letter by early January 2027 and you think you are eligible, you can contact the WHD helpline. The government also provides an online tool on GOV.UK to help you check your eligibility.
Contacting the Warm Home Discount helpline
The official WHD helpline is 0800 030 9322. It is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, from mid-November. This helpline can assist with eligibility checks and payment issues.
Appealing a decision
If you disagree with a decision regarding your eligibility, you can appeal. In England and Wales, you may need to visit the government's dedicated WHD website or write to the DWP WHD correspondence team.
Switching energy suppliers can sometimes raise questions about how your WHD is affected.
Impact of switching supplier on your discount
The energy supplier responsible for paying your £150 rebate is generally the one you were with on the qualifying date for the scheme year (23 August 2026). If you switch suppliers after this date, your previous supplier is still obligated to pay you the discount. However, if you were not with a participating supplier on the qualifying date, you will not receive the discount for that scheme year. It is always a good idea to check if your new supplier participates in the WHD scheme if you are considering switching before the qualifying date. You might also consider joining the Priority Services Register if you need extra support.
Ensuring continuity of payment
If you switch suppliers after the qualifying date, it is advisable to contact the supplier you were with on that date to ensure they have your correct contact details and to understand how and when you will receive your discount.
Understanding your eligibility and the process for the WHD Core Group 2 can provide significant relief during winter. By following these steps, you can ensure you receive the £150 discount, helping you manage your energy costs with greater ease.
Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy. Fuse Energy offers straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. 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
- Citizens Advice. Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
