Pensioner households are reminded they have just two weeks left to claim a vital £150 energy bill discount or risk missing out on crucial winter support.
The £150 discount is applied directly to energy bills between October and March.
The Warm Home Discount scheme, which provides assistance to low-income pensioners and households with high energy costs, has set a firm deadline of February 28, 2025.
While most eligible recipients receive the discount automatically, thousands of households still need to take action to secure their payment.
Letters were sent between October 2024 and early January 2025 to inform recipients of their eligibility status.
Those who qualify include people receiving the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits such as income support, Universal Credit, and housing benefit.
Britons are being urged to check their eligibility for the Warm Home Discount GETTY Eligibility is typically based on benefit claims as of August 11, 2024, with the Government also assessing energy costs based on property type, age and size.
The £150 is given to households either as credit or through vouchers, rather than being paid in cash.
The method of payment varies depending on the type of electricity meter in households. Those with smart credit or prepayment meters receive the discount automatically applied to their account.
Households using traditional prepayment meters requiring a key or card will receive vouchers to redeem at their local top-up point.
The Post Office has been issuing these vouchers since October 21, 2024, on behalf of major energy suppliers including British Gas, E.ON Next, Ovo Energy, EDF Energy, Scottish Power, and Good Energy.
Vouchers typically expire between 30 and 90 days from issue, with the specific deadline stated in the letter.
Lost or expired vouchers can be reissued by contacting the energy supplier directly. Data from last winter reveals that 128,000 people only received their payment after contacting the scheme’s helpline, highlighting the importance of taking action.
Those who have received letters requesting additional information must respond by the deadline to secure their discount.
Elderly and vulnerable residents are particularly urged not to miss out on this crucial support with their energy costs.
The discount will be applied by electricity suppliers by March 31, 2025, for those who successfully confirm their eligibility.
Anyone who hasn’t received a letter but believes they may be eligible must contact the Warm Home Discount scheme before February 28.
Pensioners are preparing to lose energy bill support GETTY
The helpline can be reached on 0800 030 9322.
Alternatively, written enquiries can be sent to: Warm Home Discount Scheme, PO Box 14127, Selkirk, TD7 9AH.
The Government stated: “If you need to give more information, your letter will tell you to call the helpline by February 28, 2025 to confirm your details.”