The Warm Home Discount could reduce your energy bill by £150 this winter. If you receive certain means-tested benefits, check whether you qualify and make sure the correct person is named on your electricity account.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount Scheme helps eligible low-income households with energy costs. For winter 2026/27, eligible households can receive a one-off £150 discount on their energy bill.
The scheme operates in England, Wales and Scotland, although the eligibility rules are different in Scotland.
Who can qualify in England and Wales?
For winter 2026/27, eligibility is based on your circumstances on the official qualification date, 23 August 2026.
You may qualify if, on that date:
you were a customer of a participating electricity supplier;
you received one of the qualifying means-tested benefits; and
you, your partner as recorded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), or your legal representative were named on the electricity account
The qualifying benefits for 2026/27 are:
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Pension Credit, including Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit
For 2026/27, England and Wales have a single Core Group, and the previous high-cost-to-heat eligibility test no longer applies.
What happens next?
Many eligible households will receive the £150 discount automatically through data matching.
Eligible and potentially eligible households are expected to receive a letter by January 2027. If your eligibility cannot be confirmed automatically, you may be asked to provide further information.
Need help?
The Warm Home Discount helpline is 0800 030 9322 and, according to the DWP update provided to EERC, opened for calls on 19 October 2026.
For official information, visit:
GOV.UK: Warm Home Discount Scheme
GOV.UK: Warm Home Discount eligibility statement for England and Wales 2026/27
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available on 22 October 2026. Warm Home Discount eligibility rules and government guidance may change. Please check GOV.UK or contact your energy supplier for the latest information.
If you are unsure about your benefit entitlement or need help understanding what support may be available, contact EERC for welfare advice.
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