This guide explains the Warm Home Discount for winter 2026/27: what it is worth, who is eligible in England, Wales and Scotland, the qualifying date, how and when the £150 is paid, and what to do if you think you qualify but have not received it.
Quick answer: The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill for winter 2026/27. Most eligible households in England and Wales get it automatically if, on the qualifying date of 23 August 2026, they received a qualifying means-tested benefit and their electricity supplier was part of the scheme. Suppliers apply the discount between October 2026 and 31 March 2027.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme run through energy suppliers. It takes £150 off the electricity bill of eligible low-income households each winter. It is a credit on your account, not a cash payment, and if you have a prepayment meter it may be added as credit to the meter or provided as a voucher.
Who is eligible in 2026/27?
For winter 2026/27 in England and Wales, you will usually get the discount automatically if on the qualifying date, 23 August 2026:
- your electricity supplier was part of the scheme;
- your name, or your partner’s, was on the electricity bill; and
- you or your partner received a qualifying benefit, such as the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or certain means-tested benefits including Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.
GOV.UK lists the full set of qualifying benefits and the participating suppliers. Rules in Scotland differ and some households there need to apply through their supplier, so check the Scottish guidance.
How is the £150 paid?
Suppliers apply the discount between October 2026 and 31 March 2027. If you are eligible, you will normally receive a letter, and most people do not need to do anything. The discount is one per household for the scheme year.
What if you think you should get it but haven’t?
- Check you met all the conditions on 23 August 2026, including that your supplier was in the scheme.
- Look for a letter from the government asking you to call a helpline; some people need to confirm details.
- Contact the Warm Home Discount helpline listed on GOV.UK or your supplier.
- Beware of scams. The government will not call or text asking for bank details to register you.
What is £150 worth in energy?
At the October to December 2026 cap of 26.32p per kWh, £150 pays for about 570 kWh of electricity, roughly 2.7 months of Ofgem’s medium usage of 2,500 kWh a year. Or, set against the electricity standing charge of 54.83p a day, it covers about 9 months of standing charges.
Other help with energy bills
- Cold Weather Payments for people on certain benefits during very cold spells.
- The Winter Fuel Payment for people over State Pension age, subject to income rules.
- Supplier hardship funds and grants from energy charities.
- Home insulation and heating schemes for low-income households.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Warm Home Discount for 2026/27?
£150 off your electricity bill.
What is the qualifying date for the Warm Home Discount?
23 August 2026 for the 2026/27 scheme.
Do I need to apply for the Warm Home Discount?
Most eligible people in England and Wales receive it automatically; some in Scotland need to apply through their supplier.
When will I get the Warm Home Discount?
Between October 2026 and 31 March 2027.
Checked November 2026 by the Solaxyra Editorial Team. Sources: GOV.UK: The Warm Home Discount Scheme, Age UK: Warm Home Discount, Ofgem: Energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026.