As energy bills continue to rise, millions of UK households are set to receive a £150 rebate this winter through the Warm Home Discount scheme.
The Government initiative, which reopens in October, aims to provide financial relief to those struggling with heating costs.
Thirty energy suppliers, including major providers like British Gas, Octopus, and EDF, will participate in the scheme.
The £150 discount will be applied directly to eligible customers’ electricity accounts between October and March.
To qualify, households must meet specific criteria, including receiving certain means-tested benefits and living in a property with a high energy cost score.
The scheme is designed to support those most in need during the colder months.
To qualify, households must meet specific criteria, including receiving certain means-tested benefits
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Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount is based on specific criteria.
Those receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit should automatically qualify.
Other eligible benefits include Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income Support, Universal Credit, and certain tax credits.
It’s worth noting that the state pension alone does not qualify individuals for the scheme. Those who miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment are likely to be ineligible for the Warm Home Discount as well.
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Customers do not need to apply for the discount in most cases. The £150 discount is applied directly to eligible customers’ electricity accounts, not as cash payments to bank accounts.
For those with traditional prepayment meters, energy suppliers will issue vouchers that can be used to top up the meter.
However, in Scotland, those not receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit must apply directly to their energy supplier.
The qualifying week for this year’s scheme has not yet been confirmed, but it typically falls in August. Energy suppliers should contact eligible customers before January to inform them of their status.
The scheme runs from October to March, allowing the discount to be applied at any point during this period.
According to GOV.UK, the following suppliers took part in last year’s Warm Home Discount scheme.
It is likely they will be a part of this year’s too – although this has not been confirmed. These include:
- 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
- Affect Energy
- Atlantic
- Boost
- British Gas
- Bulb Energy
- Co-op Energy
- E
- Ecotricity
- E.ON Next
- EDF
- Good Energy
- London Power
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- Scottish Gas
- Scottish Hydro
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Southern Electric
- SSE Energy Services
- Swalec
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse
It’s important to note that not all energy suppliers are part of the scheme.
Even if a household meets the eligibility criteria, they may not receive the discount if their supplier isn’t participating.
Customers are advised to check with their energy provider to confirm their participation in this year’s Warm Home Discount scheme.
Households must also have a high energy cost score, determined by factors such as the property’s age, size, and type. The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) works with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to calculate this score.
Octopus Energy has extended additional support to pensioners who may not qualify for the Warm Home Discount or Winter Fuel Payment.
The company’s £30million Octo Assist fund now includes lower-income pension-age households that don’t receive Pension Credit.
Eligible pensioners can apply for discretionary credits of £50, £100, or £200 from the fund. This initiative aims to help those who fall through the cracks of existing Government schemes.
Pensioners interested in this scheme should contact Octopus Energy directly to inquire about eligibility and the application process.