Households across England and Wales should start checking their post from today (Thursday 22 October 2026) for a letter confirming a £150 discount on their energy bills this winter, according to the government. Around six million households across Britain will receive the Warm Home Discount.

Key points

  • Who qualifies — every billpayer on means-tested benefits now gets the discount, after restrictions were removed.
  • When letters arrive — they will be issued from this week through to January 2027.
  • Deadline — some recipients must phone the helpline by 26 February 2027 to claim.
  • Longer term — the scheme has been confirmed to run until 2030/31.

The letters will tell people whether the money will be applied automatically or whether they need to call a helpline and supply further details before 26 February 2027. The government says the scheme was expanded last year, when nearly 2.3 million extra families — around one million of them with children — received the rebate.

Ministers say the discount sits alongside other measures, including the removal of VAT from electricity bills in October, a £2 cap on bus fares and £150 taken off bills earlier this year. Polly Billington, the Minister for Energy Consumers, said energy is "an absolute essential" and urged anyone who thinks they qualify to watch for their letter.

Recipients are being warned to use only their usual way of contacting their supplier and to ignore suspicious links or requests for financial details by email, text or phone. Ned Hammond of Energy UK said the discount offers "vital help" through the colder months, while Stew Horne of the Energy Saving Trust advised people to read their letters carefully and act promptly if needed.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

If you are on means-tested benefits, the £150 may already be on its way — but the letter is the thing to watch, because some households still have to pick up the phone to get it. Keep the letter somewhere safe and check the deadline.

  • Check your post — the letter confirms whether you get the discount automatically or must call the helpline.
  • Watch the date — if action is needed, it must be done by 26 February 2027.
  • Stay alert — only use your supplier's usual contact details and never share financial information after an unexpected email, text or call.