Millions of British households are set to receive a £150 discount on their energy bills this winter through the Warm Home Discount scheme.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will begin sending letters to eligible recipients from October, detailing the support they can expect.
The one-off payment is designed to assist low-income pensioners and households with high energy costs during the colder months.
The discount will be applied directly to electricity bills between October and March, rather than as a separate payment.
Most eligible individuals will receive the discount automatically, marking a change from previous years when some claimants had to apply for the support.
The scheme officially launches in October, with payments starting to be applied from November onwards.
The scheme officially launches in October, with payments starting to be applied from November onwards
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However, the timing of the discount application varies among energy suppliers and can occur anytime until March 2024.
It’s important to note that while the scheme begins in October, there may be a delay before customers see the discount reflected on their bills. The £150 reduction is applied directly to electricity bills, making it a seamless process for most customers.
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount extends to pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
Low-income households with high energy costs may also qualify.
Age UK explains: “If you receive Pension Credit or you’re on a low income with high energy costs, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.”
Other qualifying benefits include the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit. Some recipients of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit may also be eligible.
It’s worth noting that receiving the Warm Home Discount does not affect entitlement to Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment.
Several major energy suppliers are participating in the Warm Home Discount scheme. These include British Gas, E.ON Next, EDF, Octopus Energy, OVO, and ScottishPower, among others.
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If a customer’s electricity supplier stops trading, they may still be eligible for the discount.
According to GOV.UK, “Ofgem will appoint a new supplier for you. Check with your new supplier if you’re eligible for the discount.”
It’s crucial for households to verify if their supplier is part of the scheme. The full list of participating suppliers can be found on the Government’s official website, ensuring customers have the most up-to-date information about their eligibility for this winter support.
Given the importance of the Warm Home Discount, eligible households should remain vigilant for their notification letter. If the letter doesn’t arrive by January, it’s advisable to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline as soon as possible.
Those who believe they qualify but haven’t received confirmation should also reach out to their energy providers.
Even if a household receives the letter, it’s wise to monitor energy bills closely to ensure the discount is applied.
If the £150 reduction isn’t visible by March, customers should contact their energy supplier immediately to rectify the situation before the scheme closes for the season.
