State pensioners are in line for an “automatic” £150 uplift to their finances to assist with energy bills as temperatures drop. The Warm Home Discount scheme, backed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is applied directly to the electricity bills of vulnerable households whose energy suppliers are part of the initiative.
The programme kicked off in October. Payments commenced in November.
By now, most qualifying households should have received a confirmation letter, outlining what they’re due. Instead of a cash payment, the discount is automatically taken off energy bills, but the timing can vary by provider, with all payments due by March 2025.
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Households need to stay vigilant, as some might have to actively claim the discount if they haven’t yet received it and believe they’re eligible, potentially requiring them to provide additional details to the DWP. The DWP has stated: “If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025.”
For those who need to submit more information, the helpline must be contacted by February 28, 2025, to guarantee the payment. Despite alterations last year to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria, the Government has assured ongoing support for the Warm Home Discount, reports the Express.
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount extends to residents in England and Wales if their energy provider participates in the scheme and they either:
Eligibility for low-income benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits may pave the way for households to receive support through the Warm Home Discount scheme. In Scotland, qualifying for assistance is possible if a person’s energy provider participates in the scheme.
The list of suppliers includes prominent names in the industry. It should be noted that in the event an individual’s electricity supplier ceases operations, eligibility for the discount doesn’t necessarily end.
GOV.UK states: “Ofgem will appoint a new supplier for you. Check with your new supplier if you’re eligible for the discount.”