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Thousands of vulnerable or low-income Britons will receive money off their energy bills this month through the Warm Home Discount.
The scheme opens on October 16, 2023, and involves most energy suppliers applying a discount of £150 to eligible customers’ bills. With costs having almost doubled since the start of last year, the support will provide some much-needed relief for those struggling with rising expenses.
The money is not paid to a person directly; instead, it’s automatically deducted from their energy bill between October and the following March.
People may also have the option to have the discount applied to their gas bill instead if their supplier provides both gas and electricity.
There are different ways to qualify for the scheme depending on where in the UK a person lives, and here are the criteria.
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
In England and Wales, people might qualify if they receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. They may also qualify if they’re on low income and receive other means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, and have high energy costs.
In Scotland, a person may also be eligible if they get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. They could also qualify if they are on a low income and meet their energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.
The Warm Home Discount is not available in Northern Ireland but his region has a similar scheme – the Affordable Warmth Scheme. With this initiative, people can get grants of up to £10,000 worth of energy efficiency improvements in the home.
People can still qualify for the discount if they use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.
Their electricity supplier can explain how the discount can be applied, for example, there could be a voucher they can use to top up their meter.
How to get the Warm Home Discount
Usually, customers will receive a letter informing them that they are eligible. Last year, these letters were distributed between November and January.
For most, the discount is automatic meaning people don’t generally need to do anything to claim it.
However, some may need to call a helpline to verify their details, and such guidance will be provided in the letter if necessary.
People who think they should be eligible but don’t receive a letter by January are advised to contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme. More details and dates will be shared on GOV.UK on Monday, October 16 when the scheme opens this year.
