Warm Home Discount 2026: £150 off your electricity bill in winter

The Warm Home Discount helps pay for electricity in the most expensive winter season. According to GOV.UK, it is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. The money is not paid to you — your supplier reduces your bill directly.

How is the discount applied?

According to GOV.UK, if you are eligible, your electricity supplier applies the £150 to your bill rather than paying it to you. In most cases this happens automatically. People with a prepayment meter usually get the discount as a voucher to top up.

Who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount?

According to GOV.UK, the ways to qualify differ depending on where you live, and the exact income and benefit criteria are on separate pages for England and Wales and for Scotland. Generally the discount is available to people on certain benefits and to low-income households with high energy costs.

Which areas does the scheme cover?

According to GOV.UK, the Warm Home Discount is not available in Northern Ireland. In Scotland some people get the discount automatically while others must apply to their supplier directly. People in park homes have a separate route to apply.

Do you need to apply?

Most often no: if you meet the criteria the discount is applied automatically, and you may receive a letter. But if you think you qualify and no discount appears, check the conditions and, if needed, contact your supplier or the scheme contact listed on GOV.UK.

Can you combine it with other help?

Yes. The Warm Home Discount is only one form of energy support. Separately there are the Winter Fuel Payment, the Cold Weather Payment and help from suppliers. Check on GOV.UK what else you can claim this winter.

£150 is a noticeable part of a winter electricity bill. Because the discount is often applied quietly, it is worth making sure your supplier knows you qualify, especially if you have recently switched company or moved home.