The DWP has announced the date people need to check post for the Warm Home Discount to avoid missing out.
The one-off discount, which is worth up to £150 and deducted straight from energy bills, is distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and most people will have it applied automatically.
Payments started in October and continue to March and most people should receive a letter confirming so by early January. However, if someone believes they are eligible and hasn’t received a letter, they will need to contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme by February 29.
A statement from the DWP reads: “If you do not get a letter and you think you’re eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before February 29, 2024.
“You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.”
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, customers must have an account with one of 25 participating electricity suppliers and claim either:
or, if they have high energy costs:
- A different ‘qualifying benefit’ such as the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
Those who qualify for the scheme in England and Wales will receive a letter explaining the discount and instructions on what they need to do next.
Customers in Scotland will need to apply directly with their energy supplier as soon as possible.
People can still receive the support if they have a pre-payment meter. According to the DWP, it may come in the form of a top-up voucher instead.
The Warm Home Discount is not available in Northern Ireland. Alternatively, residents can apply for the Affordable Warmth Scheme. With this initiative, people can get grants of up to £10,000 worth of energy efficiency improvements in the home.
Which energy suppliers are part of the Warm Home Discount scheme?
The following suppliers are part of the scheme:
- 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
- Affect Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Boost
- British Gas
- Bulb Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Co-op Energy – see Octopus Energy
- E – also known as E (Gas and Electricity)
- Ecotricity
- E.ON Next
- EDF
- Good Energy
- London Power
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- Scottish Gas – see British Gas
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse.
If a person’s electricity supplier stops trading, they may still be eligible for the discount.
A statement on http://GOV.UK reads: “Ofgem will appoint a new supplier for you. Check with your new supplier if you’re eligible for the discount.”
