Warm Home Discount: how to get £150 off your bill

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme offers a £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible low-income households in England, Scotland, and Wales.1 This guide explains who qualifies, how the payment is made, and what to expect for the winter 2026 to 2027 scheme year.

Understanding government support schemes like the WHD can help you manage your household budget. Fuse Energy aims to provide clear, factual information on these schemes, empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your energy costs.

Thinking about WHD? 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.

What is the Warm Home Discount scheme?

The WHD scheme provides a one-off reduction of £150 on your electricity bill between October and March. This payment is designed to help vulnerable households manage their energy costs during the colder months. It is not a loan, and you do not need to pay it back.

The £150 discount: how it works

The WHD scheme provides a £150 discount applied directly to your electricity bill. For those with prepayment meters, the discount is typically provided as a top-up voucher or credit. This financial support aims to alleviate some of the pressure of energy costs for those who need it most.

Purpose of the scheme: alleviating winter energy costs

The primary purpose of the WHD scheme is to provide financial relief to households struggling with energy costs, particularly during the colder winter months. By offering a direct discount, the scheme helps ensure that vulnerable individuals and families can afford to heat their homes.

Who administers the Warm Home Discount?

The WHD scheme is a government initiative, regulated by Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator. Energy suppliers are responsible for administering the discount to eligible customers. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plays a key role in identifying eligible households for the main scheme. Fuse Energy is a compulsory participant in the WHD scheme for 2026 to 2027. Fuse Energy helps customers understand how to access this support through their energy supplier, but does not administer the scheme directly.

Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

Eligibility for the WHD is primarily determined by your circumstances on a specific "qualifying day" and your energy supplier's participation in the scheme. Most eligible households receive the discount automatically, meaning direct application is generally not required.

Core group 1: Pension credit recipients

You are typically eligible for the WHD under Core Group 1 if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit on the qualifying day. If you meet this criterion, you should receive a letter confirming your eligibility.

Core group 2: low income and certain benefits

Eligibility for Core Group 2 is for those on a low income who also receive certain means-tested benefits. This group includes individuals receiving Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), or Income Support. The DWP identifies eligible households based on their benefits, and you should receive a letter if you qualify. The previous "high cost to heat" property test is no longer part of the criteria for England and Wales.

Specific rules for park home residents

Residents of park homes may qualify for the WHD through a separate scheme if they pay the site owner for their electricity. For these residents, the income threshold for eligibility is £21,091 a year, or if someone in the household receives a qualifying benefit. Unlike the main scheme, park home residents usually need to apply directly for this discount.

How the Warm Home Discount is paid

For most eligible households, the WHD is applied automatically. This means you do not need to take any action to receive the £150 discount.

Automatic payments for most

The majority of eligible households in England and Wales will receive the £150 discount automatically on their electricity bill between October 2026 and March 2027. This is because the DWP identifies those who qualify and informs their energy supplier. You should receive a letter confirming your eligibility and how the discount will be applied.

When an application might be needed

While most payments are automatic, there are specific circumstances where an application might be necessary. This primarily applies to park home residents who pay their site owner for electricity, as they fall under a separate application process. If you believe you are eligible but do not receive a letter, you may need to contact the WHD helpline or your energy supplier.

Receiving the discount on prepayment meters

If you have a prepayment meter, the £150 discount is typically provided as a top-up voucher or credit. Your energy supplier will inform you how to redeem this, ensuring you receive the financial support directly to help with your energy costs.

Key dates and what to expect

The WHD scheme operates annually, with specific dates for eligibility and payment. Knowing these dates can help you anticipate when you might receive your discount.

The qualifying day

Eligibility for the WHD scheme for winter 2026 to 2027 is determined by your circumstances on a specific "qualifying day," which was 23 August 2026. If you met the criteria on this day, you will usually be identified as eligible for the discount.

When payments are made

Payments for the WHD are made between October 2026 and 31 March 2027. The exact timing can vary depending on your energy supplier, but the £150 discount will be applied to your electricity bill or provided as a top-up voucher within this period.

What if you do not receive a letter?

If you believe you are eligible for the WHD but have not received a letter by mid-December, it is important to take action. First, check with your energy supplier to confirm their participation in the scheme and your eligibility. If you still have questions, the WHD helpline can assist you with queries regarding eligibility or payment.

Getting help and further support

Navigating energy support schemes can sometimes be complex. If you need assistance with the WHD or other energy-related concerns, several resources are available.

Contacting your energy supplier

Your energy supplier is your first point of contact for questions about your WHD. They can confirm if you are eligible, explain how the discount will be applied, and help if you have not received your payment.

The Warm Home Discount helpline

For broader queries about the scheme, including eligibility criteria or payment issues, the WHD helpline is available. You can call 0800 030 9322. The helpline typically opens in October and closes in late February or March. They can provide guidance and support to ensure you receive the assistance you are entitled to.

Other energy bill support options

Beyond the WHD, other forms of support are available to help with energy bills. These can include fuel vouchers for prepayment customers, Cold Weather Payments during severe cold spells, and grants to help pay off energy debt. Organisations like Citizens Advice offer comprehensive information on these and other schemes.2

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you do not have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. This can make it easier to track spending and make informed decisions about your energy use. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times of under 5 minutes whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.