The £150 Warm Home Discount is now being issued for winter 2026 to 2027. Around six million households across Britain are due to receive the one off credit on their electricity bills. Most people do not need to fill in an application form. The process is designed to be automatic for the majority of eligible customers. However some households will need to take a simple extra step after receiving their letter.
Here is the clear procedure.
Step 1: Check if you are likely to qualify
You may be eligible if on 23 August 2026 all of the following were true:
- You or your partner were receiving a qualifying means tested benefit
- Your name or your partner’s name was on the electricity bill
- Your energy supplier takes part in the scheme
Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income related Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit. The old high cost to heat property test has been removed so more households now qualify.
Step 2: Watch for the official letter
The government began sending confirmation letters from 22 October 2026. Letters will continue arriving until January 2027. The letter is the most important document. It will tell you one of two things:
- The £150 will be applied automatically by your electricity supplier. In this case you do not need to do anything.
- You need to contact the helpline and provide further information. If this is the case you must call before 26 February 2027.
Do not ignore the letter. If you are asked to call and miss the deadline you risk losing the discount.
Step 3: What to do if the letter asks you to call
Use only the telephone number printed on your official letter. The government has stressed that people should never share personal or financial details in response to unexpected emails, texts or phone calls claiming to be about the Warm Home Discount.
Have your electricity bill or statement ready when you call. You will need the name on the account and the account number.
Step 4: Official places to check information
The main government page for the scheme is:
This page explains eligibility, how the discount is paid and what to do if you think you should have received a letter but have not.
General help with energy bills is also covered here:
Scotland
The rules work differently in Scotland. Some households receive the discount automatically. Others need to apply directly through their electricity supplier. Check the guidance that comes with any letter you receive or contact your supplier for the correct process in Scotland.
Important points to remember
- The £150 is a credit on your electricity account. It is not paid into your bank.
- Suppliers have until 31 March 2027 to apply the credit.
- Prepayment meter customers are included as long as the account is in the eligible person’s name.
- If you moved house recently make sure the electricity account is still registered in the correct name.
For the large majority of people the only action required is to open the letter when it arrives and follow the instructions if any further steps are needed. Checking the official GOV.UK pages listed above remains the safest way to confirm the latest details and avoid scams.
