The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme reopens in October 2026, providing a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills to around six million households across the UK. The number of eligible households has doubled compared to previous years, following rule changes introduced by the Labour government.
Who qualifies for the £150 Warm Home Discount
Households claiming Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are now eligible for the support. Previously, only some Universal Credit recipients qualified, but the scheme has been expanded to include everyone on Universal Credit.
Some of the poorest pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit also qualify for the discount. The expansion means significantly more low-income families can receive help with their energy costs during the colder months.
How the discount is applied
The Government states: "The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you."
Most households will receive the discount automatically, with the payment typically applied between November and January. However, British Gas has confirmed that for winter 2026/2027, eligible customers will have the £150 discount applied between November 2026 and March 31, 2027 at the latest, with most receiving it before January 2027.
Important details for gas and electricity customers
If your supplier provides both gas and electricity and you are eligible, you may be able to receive the discount on your gas bill instead. The Government advises contacting your supplier to arrange this.
The timing of the payment is particularly significant given that energy bills are set to rise again in October, and the support arrives ahead of the expensive Christmas period. Benefit households are urged to be aware that the support is on the way, as the scheme launches in October and the discount is applied directly by energy companies.
