The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme offers a £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible households in Great Britain during the colder months. For winter 2026/27, the scheme reopens in October 2026, with payments expected by 31 March 2027. Most eligible households will receive this discount automatically, without needing to apply.
The primary aim of the WHD is to help those on low incomes or specific benefits manage their energy costs. Eligibility is typically determined by receiving certain benefits on a specific qualifying day and having an electricity supplier participating in the scheme.
Understanding how to get the WHD can help you manage your energy costs. Fuse Energy aims to make managing your home's energy straightforward, with clear pricing and smart tools to help you stay on top of your bills. Click here to see how easy it is to switch.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The WHD is a government initiative designed to provide financial support to eligible households struggling with their energy bills. It offers a one-off reduction of £150 on your electricity bill. This amount is applied as a credit to your electricity account, or as a voucher if you use a prepayment meter, rather than being paid directly as cash. The scheme is regulated by Ofgem and funded by larger energy suppliers.
Key dates for winter 2026/27
The WHD scheme operates annually, with specific dates for eligibility and payments. For winter 2026/27, the scheme is expected to open in October 2026, with payment by 31 March 2027. The qualifying day for eligibility was August 2026.
Eligibility for the main scheme
To qualify for the main WHD scheme in England and Wales, three conditions must have been met on the qualifying day in August 2026:
- Your electricity supplier must be part of the WHD Scheme.
- You or your partner must have received a qualifying means-tested benefit.
- Your name (or your partner's) must have been on the electricity bill.
Qualifying benefits include Pension Credit (both Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit elements), Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).
Eligibility for park home residents
Residents of park homes may qualify for the WHD under a separate scheme. This specific scheme requires an application, unlike the main scheme. You may be eligible if you are a permanent resident in a park home in Great Britain, pay for your electricity directly to your site owner, and either receive certain benefits (such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit) or have a household income below £20,328 a year.
The qualifying day explained
The qualifying day is crucial because it is the snapshot date used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to determine who is eligible for the discount. If you meet the eligibility criteria on this date, you are likely to receive the discount automatically. It is important to ensure your details are up to date with both your supplier and the DWP.
Automatic payments for most households
For most eligible households in England and Wales, the WHD is applied automatically. The DWP identifies eligible households through data matching and informs electricity suppliers. Your electricity supplier will then apply the £150 discount directly to your electricity account by 31 March 2027. If you have a prepayment meter, your supplier will inform you how you will receive the discount, which could be in the form of a voucher.
When an application is required
While most receive the discount automatically, there are specific situations where an application is necessary:
- Park home residents: As mentioned, if you live in a park home and pay your site owner for electricity, you will need to apply for the separate Park Home WHD scheme.
- If requested by DWP: If the DWP cannot automatically match your records, they may send you a letter asking for more information. You would then need to provide the requested details to confirm your eligibility.
What to do if you do not receive the payment
If you believe you are eligible for the WHD but have not received the payment by 31 March 2027, you should contact the WHD helpline. It is important to get in touch before the deadline to resolve any issues.
Beyond the WHD, several other government schemes and grants are available to help manage energy costs.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, one-off payment of between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs for people of State Pension age. For winter 2026/27, you are eligible if you were born before 28 June 1960. Most eligible individuals receive this automatically. However, if your total taxable income is over £35,000 a year, HMRC will reclaim the payment via your tax code or Self Assessment. Eligible people usually receive a letter in October or November and are paid in November or December.
Cold Weather payment
The Cold Weather Payment is a one-off payment made for each qualifying cold spell between 1 November and 31 March. You are eligible if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven consecutive days, and you are receiving certain benefits.
Grants and hardship funds
Many energy suppliers offer their own hardship funds to help customers in debt. The British Gas Energy Trust, for example, provides grants that are open to anyone, not just British Gas customers. Debt advice is usually required before applying for these grants. You may also find help with energy-saving home improvements, such as insulation or heating upgrades.
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. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.
