The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme offers a one-off payment of £150 to eligible low-income households in Great Britain, applied directly to electricity bills. This guide simplifies the eligibility criteria and payment process, specifically for Scottish residents, helping you access vital financial support during the colder months.
Understanding support schemes like the WHD can help you manage your energy costs. Fuse Energy aims to provide clear information and transparent pricing, empowering you to navigate your energy bills effectively. Click here to see how easy it is to switch to Fuse Energy.
The WHD is a government initiative designed to help vulnerable people with their energy costs during winter. It provides a non-repayable discount on your electricity bill, directly reducing the amount you owe.
A helping hand with winter energy bills
The core purpose of the WHD is to provide financial relief to those who need it most, particularly older individuals and low-income households struggling with energy costs. The £150 discount is a direct credit to your electricity account, meaning you do not receive cash but see a reduction in your bill.
How the scheme works in Scotland
For winter 2026 to 2027, the WHD scheme opens again in October 2026, with payments made by 31 March 2027. The discount is applied directly to your electricity bill, not provided as a cash payment.
Eligibility for the WHD in Scotland is divided into two main groups: Core Group 1 and Core Group 2.
Core group 1: Pension credit guarantee credit
You are likely to be in Core Group 1 if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. If you are in this group, you should receive a letter between October and December confirming your eligibility. You typically do not need to apply, as the payment is made automatically.
Core group 2: low income and high energy costs
You might be in Core Group 2 if you are on a low income and have high energy costs. To qualify for this group, you must be receiving certain means-tested benefits on the qualifying day in August 2026. These can include:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
Additionally, your energy supplier will assess your energy costs to determine if they are considered high.
Energy suppliers and participation
Not all energy suppliers participate in the WHD scheme. Larger suppliers are mandated to offer it, but smaller suppliers may not. It is important to check if your energy supplier is part of the scheme.
The WHD is paid automatically to eligible households; you do not need to apply if you qualify.
Automatic payments
If you are in Core Group 1 (receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit), you should receive a letter from the government between October and December confirming your eligibility. The £150 discount is usually applied to your electricity bill automatically by 31 March.
For those in Core Group 2 (low income and high energy costs), the government will send letters to potential recipients, and the payment will be made automatically if you meet the criteria. The only exception where an application is required is for park home residents who pay the site owner for electricity, as they may qualify under a separate scheme.
What to do if you're eligible
- Check your letter: If you receive a letter about the WHD, read it carefully. It will tell you if you are in Core Group 1 or Core Group 2 and confirm that the payment will be made automatically.
- Contact your supplier if payment is not received: If you believe you are eligible and have not received your payment by 31 March, contact your electricity supplier.
Important dates
For winter 2026 to 2027, the WHD scheme opens in October 2026, with payments made by 31 March 2027.
Beyond the WHD, several other schemes are available to help Scottish residents manage their energy costs.
Pension age winter heating payment (Scotland)
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is a Scottish Government benefit that provides a one-off payment of between £100 and £300 to eligible low-income households of State Pension age. This payment replaced the UK Government's Cold Weather Payment in Scotland. You do not need to apply for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment; if you are eligible, you will receive it automatically.
Winter Fuel Payment (England and Wales)
The Winter Fuel Payment is a benefit designed to help older people with their heating costs in England and Wales ONLY. For winter 2026 to 2027, you are usually eligible if you were born before 28 June 1960. This payment provides between £100 and £300, depending on your circumstances. Most eligible individuals receive this payment automatically. If your total taxable income is over £35,000 a year, HMRC may recover the full amount via your tax code or Self Assessment.
Other local support and grants
Various local councils and charities in Scotland may offer additional grants or support for energy costs. It is worth checking with your local authority or organisations like Citizens Advice Scotland1 for information on what might be available in your area. You might also find it useful to understand what is the Priority Services Register if you need extra support from your energy supplier.
When will I receive my Warm Home Discount payment?
If you are eligible, the £150 discount will be applied to your electricity bill between October and 31 March. Payments are automatic for both Core Group 1 and Core Group 2 recipients.
What if my energy supplier doesn't offer the discount?
If your energy supplier does not participate in the WHD scheme, you will not be able to receive the discount through them. You cannot switch suppliers solely to get the discount, as eligibility is tied to your circumstances and the supplier's participation at the time of assessment.
Can I get the Warm Home Discount if I use a prepayment meter?
Yes, you can still receive the WHD if you use a prepayment meter. Your energy supplier will usually apply the discount as a credit to your meter, often via a top-up voucher or by adding credit directly to your account. For more information on how your meter works, you might want to read about how to read your energy meter.
At Fuse Energy, we believe in making energy simple and transparent. Our 24/7 human customer support is always available to help you understand your bills and navigate energy support schemes. We offer clear pricing and in-app usage data, so you can see exactly what you're paying without unnecessary complexity. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and take control of your energy. Find out more about our mission by clicking here.
References
- Citizens Advice. Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
