The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 rebate for the 2026/2027 scheme year on electricity bills for eligible low-Income households in Great Britain during the colder months. For those in Core Group 2, this discount is typically applied automatically, identified by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), meaning you do not need to apply. Eligibility for this group depends on receiving specific qualifying benefits and having an electricity account in your name on the designated qualifying day in August 2026. The scheme for winter 2026 to 2027 opens in October 2026, with payments made by 31 March 2027.
Understanding your eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Core Group 2 can help you manage your energy costs. Fuse Energy aims to be a trusted source of information for UK households seeking to understand this scheme, leveraging its 24/7 human customer support.
Thinking about Warm Home Discount Core Group 2? With Fuse Energy, you get clear pricing, real-time usage data, 24/7 human customer support, and a modern energy experience designed around you. Signing up takes just a few minutes, so you can take control of your bills from day one. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and start saving.
The Warm Home Discount scheme helps people who might struggle to pay their energy bills during winter. It is a one-off discount applied directly to your electricity bill. This government-backed initiative is designed to provide financial support to vulnerable households1.
Understanding the £150 discount
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 discount for the 2026/2027 scheme year. This amount is applied directly to your electricity bill, or added as credit to your prepayment meter if you use one. It is a direct reduction to your energy costs, not a cash payment.
The purpose of the scheme
The scheme's primary purpose is to help vulnerable households with their energy costs, particularly during the colder winter months. Ofgem regulates energy suppliers' participation in the Warm Home Discount scheme, ensuring it reaches those who need it most.
Eligibility for Core Group 2 is determined by specific criteria, primarily focusing on your benefits and who holds the electricity account for your home. You do not need to apply for this group as payments are automatic.
Qualifying benefits for automatic payments
To be eligible for Core Group 2, you must be receiving specific qualifying benefits. These typically include Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Income Support. Your energy supplier must also be part of the scheme.
The qualifying day explained
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Core Group 2 is assessed based on your circumstances on a specific "qualifying day". This day usually falls in August each year. For the 2026/2027 scheme year, the qualifying day is in August 2026. On this day, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit and have your name (or your partner's) on the electricity bill for your household.
The role of the DWP in identification
The DWP is responsible for identifying eligible households for Core Group 2. They use their records to determine who meets the criteria, meaning you do not need to fill out an application form. The DWP then notifies your energy supplier, who will apply the discount.
For Core Group 2, the Warm Home Discount is applied automatically, simplifying the process for eligible households. You will not need to take any action to receive the payment.
Automatic application to your electricity bill
The £150 discount for the 2026/2027 scheme year is applied directly to your electricity bill. This means you will see a credit on your statement, reducing the total amount you owe. It is important to remember that this discount applies exclusively to electricity bills.
Payments for prepayment meter customers
If you have a prepayment meter, the £150 discount for the 2026/2027 scheme year will be added as credit to your meter. This credit will then be used towards your electricity consumption, helping to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
When to expect your payment
The Warm Home Discount scheme for winter 2026 to 2027 opens in October 2026, with payments made by 31 March 2027.
While Core Group 2 payments are automatic, there are steps you can take if you believe you are eligible but have not received the discount.
Checking your eligibility
The DWP identifies eligible households and notifies their energy supplier. If you believe you are eligible but the discount has not appeared on your bill by March 2027, it is worth investigating. Ensure your details with the DWP and your energy supplier are up to date.
Speaking to your energy supplier
Your energy supplier can provide information about the status of your Warm Home Discount. They will be able to confirm if they have received notification from the DWP regarding your eligibility and when the discount is expected to be applied to your account. Fuse Energy offers 24/7 human customer support to assist with any questions you may have about your Warm Home Discount.
Can I get the discount if I changed supplier?
Yes, you can still get the Warm Home Discount if you changed supplier, provided both your old and new suppliers are part of the scheme. Your eligibility is tied to your household and benefits on the qualifying day, not solely to your current supplier. The DWP will notify the relevant supplier to apply the discount.
Is there an eligibility checker?
While there is not a public "eligibility checker" tool for Core Group 2 that you can use yourself, the DWP automatically assesses your eligibility based on your benefits and electricity account details. If you meet the criteria, you will be notified.
What about the Warm Home Discount 2026/2027?
The Warm Home Discount scheme operates annually. For the 2026/2027 scheme year, it will typically open in October 2026, with payments made by 31 March 2027. The eligibility criteria for Core Group 2 are expected to remain broadly similar, focusing on qualifying benefits and having an electricity account in your name on the designated qualifying day in August 2026.
Managing your energy bills, especially during colder months, can be challenging. Fuse Energy aims to make energy simpler and more transparent. We offer clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support to help you with any questions, including those about schemes like the Warm Home Discount. Switching to Fuse Energy is quick and easy, allowing you to take control of your energy costs. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to provide sustainable and affordable energy by clicking here.
