The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to 760,000 households, stating there are just days left to apply for the £150 boost via the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that this year’s Warm Home Discount Scheme will help around three million households across Scotland, England and Wales.
It’s important to be aware that the £150 payment is issued directly to participating energy suppliers where it is credited to the claimant’s electricity account and is not a cash lump sum.
The scheme, aimed at helping with energy bills this winter, requires eligible households to have claimed one of nine means-tested benefits on the qualifying date of August 11, 2023.
Those who meet the criteria will receive a £150 credit on their energy account. However, even if they weren’t receiving the benefits on the qualifying date, there’s still a chance to secure the discount.
The DWP has emphasised the importance of acting quickly, as the deadline for backdating claims, particularly for Pension Credit, is rapidly approaching on November 10.
Successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months
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The full eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount include receiving one of the following benefits:
- Guaranteed credit element of pension credit
- “Savings Credit” part of pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
For those who weren’t receiving Pension Credit on August 11, there’s still a chance to qualify. Successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months.
To take advantage of this, claimants must submit their application by November 10 and successfully backdate it to cover the August 11, qualifying date.
This is particularly crucial for the estimated 760,000 eligible individuals who haven’t yet made a claim, as they risk missing out on both the £150 Warm Home Discount and a £300 winter fuel payment.
There are two distinct Warm Home Discount schemes in the UK – one for England and Wales, and another for Scotland.
In England and Wales, eligible households do not need to apply for the scheme. They will receive a letter between October 2023 and early January 2024 informing them of their eligibility or requesting additional information.
Those who don’t receive a letter by early January but believe they’re eligible should call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.
In Scotland, there’s a “core group” receiving automatic payments and a “broader group” that must apply directly with their energy provider.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, minister for energy consumers, said: “From now until mid-December, letters will be sent to those eligible notifying them of their £150 discount.
“For most people, this will be applied automatically, and if not, there are easy-to-follow instructions provided in the letter.”
The £150 Warm Home Discount is typically applied as a credit to the customer’s electricity account. For those paying by direct debit or upon receipt of their bill, the discount will appear as a credit on their next statement.
Customers with traditional prepayment meters will receive a letter from their energy supplier explaining how to claim their discount. This usually involves a Post Office voucher sent by post, along with instructions for redemption.
For those with smart prepayment meters, the process is even simpler. The energy supplier will automatically credit the meter with the £150 discount.
All eligible households should receive their discount by March 31, 2025.
It’s important to note that the discount is applied to electricity accounts, even for those who use gas heating.