Warm Home Discount 2026 to 2027
The Warm Home Discount takes £150 off your electricity bill once each winter. In England and Wales for 2026 to 2027, you qualify if you get Pension Credit, income-related ESA, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit on 23 August 2026 and your name, or your partner’s, is on the electricity bill. Most people get it automatically, without applying.
Facts checked: 31 October 2026 · Source: gov.uk (DESNZ eligibility statement, updated 19 October 2026)
At a glance
Off your electricity bill, once each winter.
Source: gov.ukThe qualifying date: you must get a qualifying benefit on this day.
Source: DESNZFor most people, matched through government data.
Source: DESNZFixed or variable, as long as your supplier takes part.
Source: gov.ukWho qualifies in England and Wales
For the 2026 to 2027 scheme year, the two old groups have merged into one. You qualify if, on 23 August 2026:
- you get Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit), income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit;
- you, your partner or your legal representative is named on the electricity bill; and
- your electricity supplier takes part in the scheme.
How it’s paid
Most eligible households are found by matching government and supplier data, and the £150 goes straight onto the electricity bill, usually during the winter. Prepayment customers are often sent a voucher or have the money added to their meter. If the government can’t confirm your details, you’ll get a letter asking you to call the Warm Home Discount helpline: reply to it, or you could miss out.
Park home residents who don’t have their own electricity supplier can apply to a separate scheme run by Charis Grants while funding lasts.
Scotland
Scotland runs its own version of the scheme with different rules. From winter 2026 to 2027 more households there are expected to be paid automatically. Check the Scotland section of the gov.uk Warm Home Discount page or ask your supplier.
Other ways to cut your bill
- See what you’d pay under the price cap in your region.
- Pay by Direct Debit if you can: Standard Credit has a higher cap.
- Check if you can get a cheaper social tariff for broadband on the same benefits.
Common questions
How much is the Warm Home Discount?
£150 off your electricity bill, once each winter.
Do I need to apply?
Usually not. Most people are paid automatically. If you get a letter asking you to call the helpline, reply to it.
Who qualifies in 2026 to 2027?
In England and Wales, people getting Pension Credit, income-related ESA, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit on 23 August 2026 who are named on the electricity bill with a supplier in the scheme.
Does it matter which tariff I’m on?
No, as long as your supplier takes part in the scheme.