Government Warm Home Discount: Have You Received a Letter?

What is the Government Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount is a Government scheme designed to help eligible households with their energy costs during the winter.

For winter 2026/27, eligible households can receive a one-off £150 discount towards their electricity bill.

The payment is not made directly to your bank account. Instead, your electricity supplier applies the discount to your energy account.

Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

If you live in England or Wales, you may qualify if, on 23 August 2026:

You or your partner received a qualifying means-tested benefit.
You or your partner were named on the electricity bill.
Your electricity supplier was part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Qualifying benefits include:

Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Pension Credit

Eligibility is assessed by the Government using information from the Department for Work and Pensions and participating energy suppliers.

When will I receive my Warm Home Discount letter?

The Government is sending letters between late October 2026 and early January 2027.

Your letter will confirm one of two things:

1. You are eligible

Your letter will confirm that you qualify for the £150 discount. You do not need to do anything further. Your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2027.

2. You may be eligible but need to provide more information

Your letter will explain that you need to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline to confirm your details.

You must do this by 26 February 2027 to confirm your eligibility.

What should I do if I haven't received my letter?

If you think you are eligible but have not received a letter by early January 2027, you should contact the Government's Warm Home Discount Scheme directly.

Warm Home Discount helpline:

Telephone: 0800 030 9322
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Deadline to contact them: 26 February 2027

You can also find further information on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Will Homebox send me the £150 discount?

No. The Warm Home Discount is a Government scheme administered through participating electricity suppliers.

Homebox does not issue the payment or decide who qualifies.

If you have questions about your eligibility, your letter or the status of your discount, you will need to contact the Government's Warm Home Discount helpline.

Important: If your electricity is supplied through a communal or building management arrangement rather than an individual electricity account in your name, you may not meet the standard eligibility requirements. Contact the Government helpline to check your circumstances.

Will I receive the £150 directly into my bank account?

No. The £150 is normally credited directly to your electricity account by your energy supplier.

It is not a cash payment and will not be paid into your bank account.

Does the Warm Home Discount affect my other benefits?

No. Receiving the Warm Home Discount will not affect your entitlement to other Government support, including:

Winter Fuel Payment
Cold Weather Payment

Can I still receive the discount if I have a prepayment meter?

Yes. You can still qualify if you have a prepayment or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier will explain how you will receive the discount. This may be provided as a voucher or credited towards your future energy use.

Where can I find more information?

For full eligibility details, letter information and help with your application, visit: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

If you believe you qualify but have not received a letter by early January 2027, contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.