Warm Home Discount eligibility broadened for winter 2026/27
More low-income households will qualify automatically for the £150 winter rebate, with the high-property-cost screen narrowed.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
The government confirmed that around 2.7 million households in England and Wales will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount this coming winter, up from roughly 2.3 million last year, after eligibility rules were broadened.
The rebate is paid automatically as a credit on electricity (or, for some suppliers, gas) bills between October and March. There is no need to apply if you are in the 'core group' — eligibility is matched from DWP records.
Households on Pension Credit Guarantee Credit qualify automatically. Working-age households on a means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, income-based JSA or ESA, Income Support, or Housing Benefit) are eligible if their property has a high energy cost score, with the property-cost screen now widened.
Suppliers will write to recipients between October and December. If you think you should qualify but receive no letter by mid-December, contact your electricity supplier directly.