--- title: "Warm Home Discount Core Group 2 explained" description: "Warm Home Discount Core Group 2 explained: Get a £150 discount on your energy bill for 2026/2027. Discover if you're eligible and how the payment works." url: "https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/warm-home-discount-core-group-2" updated: "2026-10-18" --- # Warm Home Discount Core Group 2 explained The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme provides a one-off payment to help eligible households with their energy costs during the colder months. For the 2026/2027 scheme year, this is a £150 discount applied to your electricity bill or prepayment meter^[1]. This government-backed initiative is designed to support those on specific means-tested benefits and low incomes. For most households in England and Wales, the payment is automatic, meaning no application is required if you qualify. Understanding government support schemes can feel complex, but Fuse Energy aims to make managing your energy straightforward. We provide clear information to help you navigate schemes like the WHD. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to see how easy it is to manage your energy with Fuse. ## What is the Warm Home Discount scheme? The WHD scheme is a government initiative that helps vulnerable households with their energy costs during winter. It provides a one-off discount of £150 on your electricity bill, typically applied between October and March. ### Purpose of the scheme The scheme's primary goal is to offer financial support to those living on low incomes or pensions, helping to reduce the burden of winter energy bills. It's a crucial lifeline for many, ensuring that eligible households receive assistance without needing to apply directly in most cases. ### Core Group 1 vs Core Group 2 Historically, the WHD in England and Wales was split into Core Group 1 and Core Group 2. However, for the 2026/2027 scheme year, these have been merged into a single 'Core Group' to simplify administration and reduce confusion. The eligibility criteria now focus on means-tested benefits and low income, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) identifying eligible customers automatically. ## Warm Home Discount eligibility Eligibility for the WHD is determined by the DWP. They assess whether you meet the criteria based on your benefits and income on a specific qualifying day. ### Qualifying benefits and low income To qualify for the 2026/2027 scheme year, you or your partner must have been receiving one of the following means-tested benefits on the qualifying date of 23 August 2026: * Pension Credit (both the Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit elements) * Universal Credit * Housing Benefit * Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) * Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) * Income Support Additionally, your name, or your partner's, must be on the electricity bill, and your electricity supplier must be part of the WHD scheme. ### Automatic identification process If you live in England or Wales and meet the eligibility criteria, you do not need to apply for the WHD. The DWP identifies eligible customers and sends them a letter between October and December 2026 confirming their eligibility. Your electricity supplier will then automatically apply the £150 discount to your account. > **What is the qualifying date for the WHD 2026/2027?** > > The crucial qualifying date for the WHD for the 2026/2027 scheme year is 23 August 2026. You must meet the eligibility criteria, including receiving a qualifying benefit and having your name on the electricity bill, on this specific date to be identified as eligible. ## Receiving your discount Once identified as eligible by the DWP, the process for receiving your WHD is straightforward. ### How the £150 discount is applied The £150 discount is not paid directly into your bank account. Instead, it is applied as a credit to your electricity bill. If you use a prepayment meter, you may receive a voucher that you can use to top up your meter, or the credit might be sent directly to your smart prepayment meter. ### When to expect payment For the 2026/2027 scheme year, eligible households will receive their £150 discount between October 2026 and 31 March 2027. ## What to do if you haven't received a letter If you believe you are eligible for the WHD but haven't received a letter from the DWP by mid-January 2027, there are steps you can take. ### Checking your eligibility First, review the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you met all conditions on the qualifying date of 23 August 2026. This includes receiving a qualifying benefit and having your name (or your partner's) on the electricity bill. For more general advice on managing your energy costs, you can explore our energy bill support guide. ### Contacting the Warm Home Discount scheme helpline If you still believe you are eligible but haven't received a letter, or if your letter advises you to provide more information, you should contact the WHD scheme helpline. The helpline number is 0800 030 9322. The DWP phone lines for the scheme typically open around 19 October 2026 and close by 26 February 2027. It's important to call before the closing date. ## Warm Home Discount for park home residents Residents of park homes may have a different process for receiving the WHD. ### Specific eligibility for park homes If you live in a park home and pay your site owner for electricity rather than directly to an energy supplier, you may be eligible for the separate Park Homes WHD scheme. This scheme has its own eligibility criteria, which can include being a permanent resident, paying your site owner for electricity, and being on certain benefits or having a household income below £20,328 a year. ### How to apply for the park home scheme Unlike the automatic payment for the main Core Group in England and Wales, the Park Homes WHD typically requires an application. Applications for the 2026/2027 scheme year are generally managed through a scheme administrator like Charis Grants. ## Key dates for the Warm Home Discount scheme Understanding the important dates for the WHD scheme can help you know when to expect your discount or when to take action. ### Scheme opening and closing dates The WHD scheme for the 2026/2027 winter period typically opens in October 2026. All eligible payments are made by 31 March 2027. ### Important deadlines The crucial qualifying date for eligibility for the 2026/2027 scheme year is 23 August 2026. If you believe you are eligible but haven't received a letter by mid-January 2027, you should contact the WHD helpline by 26 February 2027. If you have specific vulnerabilities, you might also consider registering for the Priority Services Register for additional support. 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. Our human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/mission). ### References 1. Citizens Advice. [Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/) --- Rates, availability, and regional off-peak windows change. Check the source page for current terms. **Disclaimer** For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.