Millions of households could get £150 off their electricity bill this winter through the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme.
For most eligible households, the discount should be applied automatically. But there is an important catch: the person receiving a qualifying benefit, their partner or legal representative needs to be named on the electricity account.
Energy suppliers will use customer records from Sunday 23 August 2026 to help identify who should receive the discount. So, if you think you could qualify, now is a good time to check your account details are correct.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme designed to help lower-income households with their energy costs. Eligible households receive a one-off £150 discount on their electricity bill.
Around six million households are expected to benefit from the scheme this winter.
In England and Wales, you could qualify if you receive a means-tested benefit such as:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit (Guarantee
- Credit or Savings Credit)
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
The scheme has been expanded in recent years, meaning significantly more households now qualify.
Eligibility works differently in Scotland, although changes for winter 2026/27 mean more eligible households will receive the discount automatically. The scheme is not available in Northern Ireland, which has separate schemes to help eligible households with energy costs.
Why does the 23 August deadline matter?
The government is urging people who receive qualifying benefits to make sure they are named on their electricity bill by 23 August 2026. This is because suppliers use their customer records alongside benefits information to identify eligible households.
You could be particularly at risk of missing out if you have recently moved home and the energy account hasn’t been updated into your name.
People using traditional prepayment meters that are topped up with a key or card should also check that the household’s energy account is correctly registered.
If you’re unsure, contact your electricity supplier and ask them to check whose name is on the account.
When will I get the £150 discount?
The Warm Home Discount scheme is due to reopen in autumn 2026, when rebates for this winter will begin to be issued. If you qualify, the £150 will be applied to your energy account rather than paid to you as cash.
How this works can differ for prepayment customers, so check with your supplier if you’re unsure how you will receive the discount.
What should I do now?
If you receive a qualifying means-tested benefit, check the name on your electricity account before Sunday 23 August.
It may only take a quick call or online account check, but getting the details right could make the difference between receiving the £150 discount automatically and having to sort out your eligibility later.
And if you know someone who could qualify — particularly someone who has recently moved home — it may be worth reminding them to check too.
