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The Labour Government has revealed that an estimated three million households are set to benefit from the Warm Home Discount Scheme this winter. Managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the scheme provides a £150 credit on electricity bills to those receiving certain benefits.
However, it’s important to remember that applications must be submitted through energy suppliers, not the DWP, who then transfer the funds directly to the energy provider, not the claimant. Changes to eligibility criteria in 2022 mean some individuals may no longer qualify, while others might need to apply as they will not automatically receive the discount.
Over 20 energy suppliers support the Warm Home Discount Scheme, but to confirm if your provider is participating, visit their website and search ‘Warm Home Discount’. Following alterations to Winter Fuel Payments, where only those over 66 receiving Pension Credit, Tax Credits or other means-tested benefits will be eligible for the annual lump sum of up to £300, it’s crucial that people check now if they need to claim the Warm Home Discount.
Eligible households may also have the option to apply the £150 discount to their gas bill instead – if their supplier provides both gas and electricity, simply contact them once the scheme opens to find out. If you’re a credit customer, the £150 will be credited to your electricity account.
However, if you’re on Pay As You Go or Prepayment, you’ll receive a voucher to top-up your meter, according to the Daily Record.
Participating Energy Suppliers
The following Energy Suppliers are participating in the Warm Home Discount Scheme:
- Boost Energy
- Affect Energy (now part of Octopus Energy)
- So Energy
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- Co-op Energy (now part of Octopus Energy)
- Scottish Power
- 100Green (previously Green Energy UK)
- London Power
- Utilita
- E (gas and electricity)
- British Gas (including Scottish Gas)
- EDF Energy
- Good Energy
- Tomato Energy
- Ovo Energy
- Tru Energy
- Ecotricity
- Utility Warehouse
- E.on Next
The complete list can be found on GOV. UK.
How to get the £150 discount
If you live in England or Wales, your eligibility is also based on certain conditions. The DWP will evaluate your energy costs according to your property under two core groups:
They will then contact you from November to confirm your eligibility. The scheme, which provides a £150 discount, is open until March 31, 2025.
Eligible households will receive a letter by January 2025 with information about the discount. While most will automatically receive the discount, some may need to apply directly to their supplier.
The letter will specify if you need to call a helpline by February 28, 2025 to verify your details.
If you meet the criteria, your electricity provider will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2025. Low-income residents in England and Wales who do not receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit may still be eligible for financial aid.
The qualifying means-tested benefits will be detailed in a letter that you’ll receive before January 2025 if you fall under ‘core group 2’. This scheme commences in October and if you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2025.
If you live in park or mobile homes
For those residing in park homes or mobile homes, the application process varies. The Charis Park Homes Warm Home Discount, an Ofgem regulated initiative generously funded this year by E.
ON Next, Utilita, OVO and Rebel Energy, is open for the 2024/25 period. It’s estimated that there are around 110,000 park home and static caravan residential addresses across Scotland, England and Wales.
These residents, often elderly and retired, pay site owners for their electricity usage and while many are on low incomes, they have previously missed out on financial support. Charis has partnered with Lightning Reach to host the online application form.
Those needing assistance with their application can contact the Charis customer support team during normal working hours.
Owing to the restricted funding at hand, applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. The scheme will cease once all funds have been distributed.
More information about the Warm Home Discount Scheme can be found on the GOV. UK website here.
