The Warm Home Discount scheme for winter 2026/2027 will open in autumn 2026.
The Warm Home Discount scheme
Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a government led scheme. Eligible electricity customers may qualify for a £150 payment to help pay their energy bills during the winter months.
The Warm Home Discount scheme
Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a government led scheme. Eligible electricity customers may qualify for a £150 payment to help pay their energy bills during the winter months.
Who is eligible?
Who can get the Warm Home Discount depends on whether you live in England, Wales or Scotland. Anyone living in England, Wales and Scotland who is in receipt of Pension Credit will automatically be paid the £150 payment. You may still be eligible if you receive certain means tested benefits, visit our Support Centre to check the full eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible?
Who can get the Warm Home Discount depends on whether you live in England, Wales or Scotland. Anyone living in England, Wales and Scotland who is in receipt of Pension Credit will automatically be paid the £150 payment. You may still be eligible if you receive certain means tested benefits, visit our Support Centre to check the full eligibility criteria.
Automatic credit
Smart meter customers
You’ll receive the credit directly to your meter. Smart meters can help you monitor your energy use.
Automatic Top-up
Pay As You Go customers
You can of course still receive your Warm Home Discount payment if you Pay As You Go.
Automatic credit
Smart meter customers
You’ll receive the credit directly to your meter. Smart meters can help you monitor your energy use.
Automatic Top-up
Pay As You Go customers
You can of course still receive your Warm Home Discount payment if you Pay As You Go.
Automatic credit
Smart meter customers
You’ll receive the credit directly to your meter. Smart meters can help you monitor your energy use.
Automatic Top-up
Pay As You Go customers
You can of course still receive your Warm Home Discount payment if you Pay As You Go.
Automatic credit
Smart meter customers
You’ll receive the credit directly to your meter. Smart meters can help you monitor your energy use.
Automatic Top-up
Pay As You Go customers
You can of course still receive your Warm Home Discount payment if you Pay As You Go.
How do the eligibility groups work?
Core Group
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) identifies eligible customers in England, Scotland and Wales who receive Pension Credit or other qualifying means tested benefits. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the £150 discount automatically. In Scotland, the eligibility rules have been changed, meaning more customers can now receive the Warm Home Discount automatically.
Broader Group
Customers who live in Scotland and aren’t eligible for Core Group but receive other benefits meeting the suppliers criteria must apply each year.
How do the eligibility groups work?
Core Group
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) identifies eligible customers in England, Scotland and Wales who receive Pension Credit or other qualifying means tested benefits. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the £150 discount automatically. In Scotland, the eligibility rules have been changed, meaning more customers can now receive the Warm Home Discount automatically.
Broader Group
Customers who live in Scotland and aren’t eligible for Core Group but receive other benefits meeting the suppliers criteria must apply each year.
Do I need to apply?
You only need to apply if you’re in the broader group. Core group receive the discount automatically.
How to apply if you live in Scotland?
The first step is to complete the Warm Home Discount Broader Group application and you may receive the Warm Home Discount payment.
If you live in England or Wales?
You don’t need to apply, core group receive the discount automatically.
What happens once I apply?
Our online application opens each year during Autumn. Once our application window has closed, we’ll review your application and may need to carry out verification. Please bear with us while we process all the applications. There is a limit to the funding we have available, and we try to make as many payments to eligible customers as the funding allows. All payments will be made before the 31st March each year.
What happens once I apply?
Our online application opens each year during Autumn. Once our application window has closed, we’ll review your application and may need to carry out verification. Please bear with us while we process all the applications. There is a limit to the funding we have available, and we try to make as many payments to eligible customers as the funding allows. All payments will be made before the 31st March each year.
I’m worried about paying my bills, what other support is available?
If you’ve checked the eligibility criteria and don’t qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme then other grant or funding options may be available for you.
We also have the Hardship Fund which offers various forms of support. Find help and support if you’re struggling to pay your energy on our affordability page. Learn more about how small changes can help you save on your energy bills on energy efficiency advice page.
I’m worried about paying my bills, what other support is available?
If you’ve checked the eligibility criteria and don’t qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme then other grant or funding options may be available for you.
We also have the Hardship Fund which offers various forms of support. Find help and support if you’re struggling to pay your energy on our affordability page. Learn more about how small changes can help you save on your energy bills on energy efficiency advice page.