The Warm Home Discount (WHD) remains one of the UK’s most important winter support schemes, helping low-income and vulnerable households reduce rising energy costs. As winter 2026 draws in and temperatures fall, millions of households are wondering when the final Warm Home Discount payment of the season will be awarded — and who qualifies for it in December 2026.
With energy bills still high and heating use increasing through December and January, understanding the WHD rules, eligible groups, payment timing, and application requirements is essential for budgeting.
This comprehensive guide breaks down how the Warm Home Discount works in 2026, when payments are made, and what households can expect as the year comes to an end.
⭐ What Is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 credit applied directly to eligible households’ electricity bills.
It is not cash — you won’t receive the £150 into your bank account — but rather your energy supplier applies the discount automatically once the government confirms you qualify.
➤ The WHD 2026 scheme runs between October 2026 and March 2027
The December window is when most eligible households receive the final scheduled payments.
⭐ Is There a December 2026 Warm Home Discount Payment?
✔ Yes — December 2026 payments ARE being issued.
However, this is not a separate or additional payment.
It is simply the standard annual Warm Home Discount, which energy providers begin applying from:
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November 2026,
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December 2026,
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or January 2027, depending on processing timelines.
Most suppliers apply the final batch of WHD discounts in December.
⭐ Warm Home Discount December 2026 – Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for WHD changed significantly in recent years, and those rules remain in effect for 2026.
There are two main groups:
🔹 1. Core Group (England & Wales)
You qualify automatically if:
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You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, OR
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You are on Pension Credit Savings Credit and meet additional criteria.
✔ No application needed
✔ Government matches your name to your supplier
✔ You will receive the discount automatically
This means pensioners with the lowest incomes are guaranteed support.
🔹 2. Broader Group / Core Group 2 (Low-Income Households)
You may qualify if:
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You receive certain means-tested benefits, and
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Your home is considered energy inefficient (based on government modelling of EPC data).
Eligible benefits include:
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Universal Credit
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Housing Benefit
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Income Support
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Income-based JSA or ESA
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Working Tax Credit
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Child Tax Credit
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Pension Credit (Savings Credit only, in some cases)
The government checks both:
✔ Household income
✔ Property energy efficiency ranking (from EPC or equivalent modelling)
If both criteria are met, the WHD is awarded automatically — you no longer apply through your supplier under the 2026 rules.
⭐ Scotland – Different WHD Rules Still Apply
In Scotland, suppliers can still operate a Broader Group application system, meaning some households must apply directly.
You qualify if you:
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Receive low-income benefits, and
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Apply before your supplier’s deadline (usually October or November).
Scottish suppliers reserve places on a first-come, first-served basis.
⭐ When Will the Warm Home Discount Be Applied in December 2026?
Most suppliers apply the WHD between:
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28 November 2026 and
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22 December 2026
However, the official window runs until 31 March 2027.
Your electricity bill may show:
“Government Warm Home Discount”
“WHD Payment”
“£150 rebate applied”
If you have a prepayment meter, suppliers may:
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Add credit to your meter key/card
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Issue a top-up voucher
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Apply the discount directly to your smart meter account
⭐ How the £150 Payment Is Applied
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It does NOT affect your Universal Credit or other benefits.
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It is NOT taxable.
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You do NOT receive it as a bank deposit.
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It may reduce your bill immediately or be applied as a credit for future use.
Suppliers must show the discount clearly on your energy statement.
⭐ Reasons You Might Not Receive the WHD in December
You may still receive the payment later, but December delays can happen if:
❌ Pension Credit claim was approved after the qualifying date
❌ Supplier changed during the WHD processing window
❌ Name/address mismatches delay government checks
❌ Your home energy rating fell outside the required threshold
❌ Supplier funds for Scotland’s Broader Group were already allocated
If you expected the discount but do not see it by January 2027, contact:
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Your energy supplier
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The Warm Home Discount helpline
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Pension Service (for Core Group eligibility)
⭐ Qualifying Dates for Warm Home Discount 2026
Eligibility is checked during the government-mandated Qualifying Week, expected to be:
📅 2–8 September 2026 (estimated based on previous years)
You must:
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Be claiming the right benefit during this week
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Have an eligible household structure
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Be registered with a participating supplier
If you moved house, changed supplier, or updated benefits after this week, your entitlement may still be reviewed, but automated matches depend heavily on this period.
⭐ What If Your Supplier Is Not Participating?
Only certain suppliers join the WHD scheme.
If yours is not included:
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You cannot receive WHD through that supplier.
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You may wish to switch before the next qualifying period in autumn 2027.
However, switching after September 2026 does not affect your current year’s eligibility.
⭐ Warm Home Discount vs Other Winter Payments
Households often confuse WHD with other winter support schemes.
Here’s how they differ:
❄ Winter Fuel Payment
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For pensioners
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£250–£600
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Paid directly into your bank account
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Separate from WHD
❄ Cold Weather Payments
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£25 per week of freezing temperatures
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Automatically paid to eligible households
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Triggered regionally
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December–March only
❄ Cost-of-Living Payments
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No general payments expected for winter 2026
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Arrears may still be issued for older claims
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Not linked to WHD
⭐ How to Check Whether You Will Get the WHD in December 2026
Use the following methods:
✔ Government Warm Home Discount eligibility checker (online)
✔ Letters sent to Core Group households (November–December)
✔ Your supplier’s WHD page on their website
✔ Your monthly bill or smart meter statement
If you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, your WHD is almost guaranteed.
⭐ What to Do If You Think You’re Eligible but Haven’t Received It
Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Check your supplier’s website
2️⃣ Check your bill for WHD entries
3️⃣ Review your benefit award decision dates
4️⃣ Contact your energy provider
5️⃣ Contact Warm Home Discount helpline
6️⃣ For Scottish households — ensure you applied in time
In many cases, the discount is simply delayed due to high seasonal processing volume.
⭐ Will There Be a Second Warm Home Discount in 2026?
❌ No — only one WHD payment is issued per winter season.
There are no plans for a second WHD or a top-up in December 2026.
⭐ Final Summary — Warm Home Discount December 2026
Here’s everything households need to know:
✔ The Warm Home Discount for winter 2026–27 is £150
✔ Most payments will be applied between late November and December 2026
✔ It is a one-off electricity bill rebate, not cash
✔ Core Group pensioners qualify automatically
✔ Low-income households qualify based on benefit status + property energy rating
✔ Scotland may require applications
✔ If you don’t receive WHD in December, you may still receive it by March 2027
✔ You cannot get WHD from a non-participating supplier
The WHD remains a vital source of winter help for UK households, offering direct support during the coldest months of the year.
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Warm Home Discount December 2026: Final £150 Payment Guide
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Warm Home Discount December 2026 explained — who qualifies, when the £150 rebate is applied, Core and Broader Group rules, Scottish applications, and payment timelines.
FAQs — Warm Home Discount December 2026
1. Will the Warm Home Discount be paid in December 2026?
Yes. Many households receive the WHD between late November and December, though payments can occur up to March 2027.
2. How much is the Warm Home Discount this year?
The WHD remains £150, applied directly to your electricity bill.
3. Do I need to apply for the WHD?
In England and Wales, no. In Scotland, some energy suppliers still require applications.
4. Why didn’t I receive the WHD in December?
You may receive it later. Delays can occur due to benefit updates, supplier changes, or property energy rating checks.
5. Can I receive WHD if I changed energy suppliers?
Yes — if you were eligible during the qualifying week and both suppliers participate.
