The Warm Home Discount scheme provides a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill or prepayment meter to help with winter energy costs. For most eligible households, this payment is automatic1, meaning you do not usually need to apply. This government initiative aims to support vulnerable households, particularly those on low incomes who receive certain qualifying benefits, by directly reducing their energy expenses during the colder months.
Understanding government support schemes like the Warm Home Discount can help you manage your energy more easily. Fuse Energy aims to provide clear, accurate information to help you navigate your household energy needs.
Thinking about Warm Home Discount 2026/27? 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.
A helping hand with winter bills
The Warm Home Discount scheme offers a direct £150 discount to eligible households in Great Britain. This support is crucial for managing energy costs during winter, especially for those who need it most. The scheme is separate from other government energy support, such as the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment, each designed to address different aspects of winter energy expenses.
Key facts about the £150 discount
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150, applied directly to your electricity bill or as credit to your prepayment meter. The scheme typically runs from October to March, with payments for the 2026/27 season expected by 31 March 2027. Eligibility for the 2026/27 scheme will be determined based on circumstances on a qualifying day in August 2026. Most eligible households do not need to apply as the discount is applied automatically.
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount scheme is primarily based on receiving certain qualifying benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plays a key role in identifying eligible households for the scheme.
Qualifying benefits
You are likely to be eligible for the 2026/27 scheme if you receive one of the following qualifying benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
If you receive Pension Credit, you will typically receive the discount automatically, with no application required.
Qualifying day and supplier participation
Your eligibility for the 2026/27 scheme will be assessed based on your circumstances on a specific qualifying day in August 2026. It is also essential that your energy supplier participates in the Warm Home Discount scheme. Most major energy suppliers do, but you can check with your supplier directly if you are unsure.
Automatic payments: no application needed for most
For the vast majority of eligible households, the Warm Home Discount is paid automatically. This means you do not need to apply for the discount. The DWP identifies eligible households and informs energy suppliers, who then apply the discount.
Receiving the discount on your bill or prepayment meter
The £150 discount is applied directly to your electricity bill. If you have a prepayment meter, the credit will be added to it. This usually happens between October and March, with all payments for the 2026/27 scheme expected to be completed by 31 March 2027.
What Fuse Energy customers can expect
As a Fuse Energy customer, if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount, you can expect to receive the payment automatically. Fuse Energy aims to make energy management straightforward, including how customers receive and view discounts like this on their bills. Our 24/7 human customer support is available to assist with any queries regarding your payment.
If you think you are eligible but have not received it
If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount but have not received the payment by the end of March 2027, you should first contact your energy supplier. They can confirm if they have received notification of your eligibility from the DWP.
Contacting the Warm Home Discount helpline
If your supplier cannot resolve your query, or if you need further assistance with your eligibility, you can contact the Warm Home Discount helpline. Details for the helpline are usually available on the UK Government's website.
Support from Fuse Energy
Fuse Energy's customer support team is ready to help you understand your bill and any payments you have received. While we do not administer the Warm Home Discount scheme, our team can provide guidance and support regarding how the payment appears on your Fuse Energy account.
Beyond the Warm Home Discount, other government schemes are available to help with energy costs. These are distinct programmes with different eligibility criteria.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, one-off payment of between £100 and £300 to help people of State Pension age with heating costs2. For winter 2026 to 2027, you are eligible if you were born before 28 June 1960 and live in England or Wales. If your total taxable income is over £35,000 a year, HMRC will recover the full amount via your tax code or Self Assessment. Most eligible individuals receive this payment automatically, usually 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 receive this payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. Eligibility depends on receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or certain Universal Credit cases.
Fuel vouchers and hardship funds
If you use a prepayment meter and are struggling to afford to top it up, you may be able to get a fuel voucher from your local council. Additionally, many energy suppliers run their own hardship grant funds to help customers in energy debt. The British Gas Energy Trust also offers grants that are open to anyone, not just British Gas customers.
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.
