Starting from next month and continuing until March, state pensioners are in line for an “automatic” £150 payment as part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Warm Home Discount scheme. Eligible pensioners with energy providers such as British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, and Octopus Energy will be among those who stand to gain.
This initiative by the DWP grants an automatic deduction of £150 from the energy bills of qualifying households. Correspondence concerning eligibility is set to land in mailboxes from October, with the new Labour Party government reaffirming its dedication to the program this year.
Instead of a separate payout, the discount will be applied directly to electricity bills anytime from October through to March. However, the exact timing of when this discount comes into effect will differ depending on the energy supplier and may happen at any point up to March 2024.
The Warm Home Discount is open to pensioners receiving Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, clarified by Age UK, which informs: “If you receive Pension Credit or you’re on a low income with high energy costs, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.”
Moreover, other benefits that count towards eligibility include the Savings Credit part of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit, with certain recipients of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit also potentially meeting the criteria. Nonetheless, not all individuals will qualify for the Warm Home Discount – particularly those residing in more energy-efficient homes, except for those who get the Guarantee Credit segment of Pension Credit, reports Birmingham Live.
Should you believe the energy costs assessment to be incorrect, it can be challenged by contacting the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322. If by mid-January you haven’t received a letter and believe you qualify, you can reach out to the same helpline.
The deadline for this winter will be disclosed later in the year.