The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme that gives eligible low-income households a one-off discount on their electricity bill over the winter. For winter 2026 to 2027 the discount is £150. It is not paid as cash: your electricity supplier takes it off your bill. The scheme covers England, Scotland and Wales but not Northern Ireland.
Who qualifies for winter 2026 to 2027
Eligibility is based on your circumstances on the qualifying date, 23 August 2026. On that date your supplier must have been part of the scheme, you or your partner must have been getting certain means-tested benefits, and your name or your partner’s must have been on the electricity bill.
| England and Wales | Scotland | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying benefits include | Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit | Pension Credit and certain disability-related or means-tested benefits |
| How you get it | Usually automatically | Automatic for the “core group”; others in the “broader group” apply to their supplier |
Scottish suppliers can set extra criteria for the broader group, so ask yours which benefits count.
How it is paid
The scheme reopens in October 2026, and eligible households usually receive the discount automatically. If your supplier provides both gas and electricity, you may be able to have it applied to your gas bill instead. People with prepayment meters can still qualify, and their supplier will explain how the credit is given, for example as a top-up voucher. Park home residents apply through a separate route.
The discount does not affect the Cold Weather Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment.
Rules and dates can change, so check GOV.UK or contact your supplier to confirm whether you qualify. This is general information, not financial advice.
Read more: Energy bills this winter: a 4% cap rise, VAT off electricity, and a forecast 16% jump in January.