The Warm Home Discount is £150 off your electricity bill this winter (2026/27) if, on 23 August 2026, you or your partner got Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or income-related ESA, your name was on the electricity bill and your supplier is in the scheme. Most people don't need to apply.

The scheme reopens in October 2026, and Citizens Advice says payments should arrive by 31 March 2027. Here's how it works, who's covered, and what to do if you think you've been missed.

As of 5 October 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice.

How much is the Warm Home Discount this winter?

It's £150, paid once for the 2026/27 scheme year. Ofgem lists the scheme year as 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 in England and Wales, and 1 May 2026 to 31 March 2027 in Scotland.

The money isn't paid to you. Your electricity supplier takes it off your bill. If you have a prepayment meter, Citizens Advice says the £150 is added to your meter, and GOV.UK says your supplier will tell you how, for example with a voucher.

It doesn't affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment, according to GOV.UK.

Who qualifies in England and Wales?

According to the government's 2026/27 eligibility statement, all three of these must have been true on 23 August 2026:

  1. You (or your partner) got one of these means-tested benefits:
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  1. The person getting the benefit (or their partner, or their legal representative) was named on the electricity bill.
  2. You were a customer of a participating supplier. Ofgem lists 18 compulsory suppliers for 2026/27; all domestic suppliers with over 1,000 customers must take part.

The 2026/27 statement lists no other test, such as the size or running cost of your home. If all three applied on the date, you should qualify.

Who qualifies in Scotland?

Scotland works differently. There are two groups:

  • Core group (automatic). GOV.UK lists people getting Pension Credit, and some people on other benefits with disability-related additions or with children under 5. Ofgem also mentions Support for Mortgage Interest. Check the GOV.UK Scotland page for the exact list.
  • Broader group (you apply). If you don't get it automatically, you can apply to your electricity supplier. Each supplier sets its own extra criteria, approved by Ofgem, so ask yours what they are and apply early in the winter.

If you live in Northern Ireland, the Warm Home Discount doesn't apply. GOV.UK points to the Affordable Warmth scheme instead.

Do I need to apply?

In England and Wales, usually not. The government matches benefit records with supplier records, and the eligibility statement says "the majority of eligible households will receive their rebates automatically".

If the match can't confirm you, the benefit recipient is sent a letter asking them to call the Warm Home Discount helpline to confirm their details. Use the phone number printed on that letter, and reply by the deadline it gives. Don't ignore it: if you don't confirm, you may not get the discount.

In Scotland, the core group is paid automatically too, but the broader group must apply to their supplier.

When will the £150 arrive?

Citizens Advice says the scheme opens in October 2026 and that eligible people should get the money by 31 March 2027. Suppliers pay at different times over the winter, so not seeing it in October or November isn't a sign you've missed out.

To check, look at your electricity bills or online account for a credit labelled "Warm Home Discount". On prepayment, check for a voucher or message from your supplier, or a credit added to your meter.

What if I switched supplier, or my name isn't on the bill?

Switched after 23 August 2026? Citizens Advice says to contact your old supplier, which should send you a cheque if you're eligible. If your old supplier has left the scheme, you won't get the discount from it.

Name not on the bill? The benefit recipient (or their partner) must be named on the electricity account on the qualifying date. That's fixed for this winter, but if it applies to you, ask your supplier to add you as an account holder now so you're covered next time.

Want it on your gas bill? The discount normally goes on the electricity bill. GOV.UK says a gas bill discount may be available; ask your supplier.

Watch out for Warm Home Discount scams

The £150 goes on your bill or meter (or comes as a cheque from your old supplier if you've switched). You don't need to apply in England and Wales, so a message asking for your bank details, a card payment or a "processing fee" to release your Warm Home Discount isn't genuine. If in doubt, call your supplier on the number on your bill, not one given in the message. Our guide to sales pressure and scams covers the warning signs.

What else can help this winter?

The £150 helps, but it won't cover most winter bills. Some other things worth checking:

  • Your Direct Debit. If you've built up credit, you can ask for some back. See is your Direct Debit too high?
  • Your tariff. Check what you pay under the current price cap, and use our bill estimator to see if your bills look right for your home.
  • Winter Fuel Payment. Citizens Advice says this is £100 to £300 for people of State Pension age, usually paid in November or December 2026.
  • Cold Weather Payment. A one-off payment for some people on benefits when it's very cold for 7 days in a row between November and March.
  • Your supplier. If you're behind on payments, contact them early and ask about a repayment plan you can afford and any hardship fund they run.

What to do next

  • Check whether you (or your partner) got Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or income-related ESA on 23 August 2026.
  • Check your name (or your partner's) is on the electricity bill.
  • Watch your bills or account for a "Warm Home Discount" credit by 31 March 2027.
  • If you get a letter asking you to confirm your details, call the helpline number on it before its deadline.
  • In Scotland and not paid automatically? Apply to your electricity supplier for the broader group early.
  • Switched supplier after 23 August? Contact your old supplier.
  • Ignore any message asking for a fee or bank details to "release" the £150.

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