The Post Office is urging people to prepare for redeeming their Warm Home Discount vouchers, with redemptions set to begin on October 14, following the recent decision to effectively axe the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners.
This call to action comes as Post Office data reveals that over £3million worth of these vouchers went unclaimed last year.
Under the Warm Home Discount scheme, families receive a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills, offering crucial support as energy costs continue to rise.
Eligible households in England and Wales with electric key meters will receive vouchers from their energy providers, which can be redeemed at any Post Office branch.
Last year, Post Office branches processed 300,000 vouchers, with 190,000 issued in October and November alone.
The Warm Home Discount scheme is designed to support households struggling with energy bills.
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The postal company has issued an urgent warning
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Those who are eligible with electric key meters (prepay) will receive letters from participating providers, including British Gas, EDF, EON Next, Green OVO and Scottish Power.
These letters contain vouchers that can be redeemed at any Post Office branch to top up their meter.
In previous years, the Post Office have processed hundreds of thousands of vouchers in previous years and are preparing for another busy season.
To further assist customers, the Post Office is organising 40 energy advice drop-in events at selected branches this winter, in partnership with charities and advice organisations.
If a voucher is lost or expires, households can contact their energy supplier to have it reissued. This ensures that eligible customers don’t miss out on the vital £150 discount.
Kevin Elson, Postmaster at Bache Post Office, emphasised the importance of the scheme: “We know many people are worried about the cost of their energy bills as the colder weather starts to set in. £150 can make a big difference, especially to people who are on pay-as-you-go meter.”
He added, “It’s really important that people are able to access the financial support schemes that are available, such as the Warm Homes Discount.
“That’s why postmasters, like me, and our teams stand ready to help and ensure that people can easily redeem their vouchers.”
In Scotland, a separate application process is required for the Warm Home Discount scheme. Residents who believe they may be eligible should contact their energy supplier directly for more information.
For those seeking assistance or clarification about their eligibility, the Warm Home Discount Helpline is available at 0800 030 9322. This helpline provides support to customers who have received letters regarding their eligibility.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Energy bills are expected to rise this winter GETTY Individuals unsure about their qualification for the scheme can visit the official government website at https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme to confirm their eligibility.
As energy costs continue to rise, the Post Office’s efforts to facilitate the Warm Home Discount scheme underscore the importance of accessible support for vulnerable households across the UK.
This support payment comes following the Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment with 10 million pensioners losing up to £300 in energy bill support.
Older people will now need to claim benefits support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), such as Pension Credit.