Warm Home Discount 2026/27: who qualifies and how the £150 works
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 reduction on an electricity bill for eligible households. This guide explains the winter 2026 to 2027 rules in England, Wales and Scotland, how the money is applied, and where to get help.
What the scheme is
The Warm Home Discount Scheme gives a one-off discount of £150 off an electricity bill. The money is not paid to you. Your electricity supplier takes it off your bill instead. GOV.UK says the scheme covers winter 2026 to 2027 and reopens in October 2026.
Who it applies to
The guide applies to households in Great Britain with an electricity bill. It does not apply in Northern Ireland, where GOV.UK says the scheme is not available and points to the Affordable Warmth scheme run by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
England and Wales
GOV.UK says you may be eligible if all of the following applied on 23 August 2026:
- Your energy supplier is part of the scheme.
- You or your partner receive certain means-tested benefits.
- Your name, or your partner's name, is on the electricity bill.
The qualifying benefits listed on the England and Wales page are Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit. GOV.UK says you will usually get the discount automatically if you are eligible.
Scotland
Scotland has two routes. The same three conditions apply as at 23 August 2026. Some people get the discount automatically, including people who receive Pension Credit, and people who receive an extra amount of Universal Credit for a disability or health condition.
It is also automatic for some households with a child under 5 living with them where the person is unemployed and receives Universal Credit, receives income-related ESA, or has a Support for Mortgage Interest loan. If you do not qualify automatically, GOV.UK says you can apply directly to your electricity supplier. Suppliers may have extra criteria and will list which benefits qualify.
How the discount reaches you
- Your electricity supplier applies it to your bill.
- If your supplier provides both gas and electricity, you may be able to take it on your gas bill instead. Contact your supplier to check.
- People on pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters can still qualify. Your supplier will explain how it is delivered, for example as a top-up voucher.
- Park home residents apply in a different way, through the Park Homes Warm Home Discount application on the Charis Grants site.
The discount does not affect Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment, according to GOV.UK. GOV.UK also has a section for people who did not get their discount for winter 2025 to 2026.
A note on scams
GOV.UK says people in England and Wales usually get the discount automatically. It can be worth being careful with unexpected calls, texts or emails about the discount, and using your supplier's own contact details or the GOV.UK links below.
If money is tight
Free, impartial help with energy bills and benefits is available from Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper. You can also ask your supplier what support it offers.
Check before you act
Rules, dates and supplier lists change each winter. Please confirm the details on the official pages linked below before making any decision.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
