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If you’re a homeowner worried about rising energy bills, the Warm Home Discount (WHD) could reduce your winter costs by £150 — automatically in many cases.
Here’s what it is, who qualifies, and how it works in England, Wales and Scotland.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme that gives eligible households a one-off £150 rebate on their electricity bill each winter.
It’s been running since 2011 and is funded by larger energy suppliers under a legal obligation. The WHD is expected to continue into 2026/27 under planned reforms, as regulations are extended or updated.
For winter 2026/27, the scheme continues to target low-income and vulnerable households, with some important updates to how costs are recovered and who qualifies. You can read the full policy paper here: Expanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme, 2026 to 2027.
How much do you get — and when?
- For winter 2026/27, eligible households will receive a £150 rebate
- It’s applied between October and March
- It appears as a bill credit (not a bank payment)
- If you use a prepayment meter, you may receive a voucher or a remote credit
The discount must be applied by the end of March in the relevant winter.
Who qualifies in 2026/27?
England & Wales
There are two main groups:
- Core Group 1 (Automatic): Receive Guarantee Credit (Pension Credit) and are named on the electricity bill.
- Core Group 2 (Means-tested): Low-income households on qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, ESA/JSA, Income Support, Pension Credit, Savings Credit, certain Tax Credits).
The “high cost to heat” property test has been removed, meaning more households on qualifying benefits can now receive the rebate.
Most people don’t need to apply — eligibility is automatically confirmed through government data matching with energy suppliers.
Scotland
- Guarantee Credit recipients qualify automatically.
- Other low-income households must apply directly to their supplier, and places are limited.
- Applications may still be required for certain low-income households in Scotland.
In most cases, you don’t need to apply — eligibility is confirmed through government data matching with your energy supplier.
Not eligible for the Warm Home Discount? Don’t worry — you can still lower your energy bills. Switch Together guides you step by step to smarter energy choices, helping you save money and join a community of households making smarter energy decisions.
How will you know if you’re eligible?
For most households in England and Wales:
- The Department for Work and Pensions matches benefit records with energy supplier data.
- You’ll receive a letter between late October and early January confirming your discount.
- If details can’t be matched automatically, you may be asked to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline before the February deadline.
- If you have a prepayment meter, ensure your supplier knows you’re eligible so you can get the voucher.
Letters confirming eligibility may arrive later if automatic matching fails. If you think you qualify but haven’t heard by mid-winter, contact the helpline or your supplier.
How the WHD fits with wider energy support
The WHD complements longer-term home upgrades like insulation and low-carbon heating. While £150 helps immediately, improving energy efficiency reduces bills year after year.
You can read our full breakdown of what’s coming next in our guide to the Warm Homes Plan 2026.
Important things homeowners should know
- The discount does not affect Winter Fuel Payments or Cold Weather Payments.
- You must be the named electricity account holder.
- If your supplier changes, the new supplier handles your eligibility.
Should you check?
If you:
- Own your home
- Receive Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit
- Struggle with winter energy costs
…it’s worth checking your eligibility or confirming your supplier participates.
Even if you plan to upgrade your home’s insulation or heating, this rebate can provide immediate support while you plan longer-term improvements.
Final thoughts
Energy bills remain one of the biggest pressures on UK households. The Warm Home Discount won’t solve everything — but £150 off your winter bill can make a real difference.
And remember, on top of any discount you receive, you can switch tariffs with Switch Together. Benefit from collective buying power, smarter energy choices, and support from thousands of households across the UK.
