Energy bills discount deadline - warning time running out to claim £150 reduction
The £150 payment is made as a one-off rebate on customers’ energy bills
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Customers who live in Scotland could miss out on a £150 reduction on their energy bills if they don’t act quickly.
The Warm Home Discount is provided by energy suppliers and will help people with their heating bills. In England and Wales, most eligible people will now get it automatically, but those who qualify due to having a low income need to apply still in Scotland.
The £150 payment is made as a one-off rebate on customers’ energy bills.
The scheme opens on October 16 so those eligible via low income in Scotland who want a discount only have just over a week to apply.
To qualify, people either need to be claiming Pension Credit or a different qualifying means-test benefit such as Universal Credit
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The discount is there to provide support for those living on low incomes or pensions.
To qualify, people either need to be claiming Pension Credit or a different qualifying means-test benefit such as Universal Credit.
However, those who live in more energy-efficient properties but claim a benefit, may not been considered eligible.
Claimants need to prove that they were receiving these benefits on August 13, 2023.
However, if someone wasn’t receiving Pension Credit on August 13, there is still a way they can receive the £150 reduction.
People will need to make a Pension Credit claim by October 13.
The government will then send a letter confirming whether the claim was accepted.
If successful, energy providers will automatically deduct the £150 out of people’s energy bill.
This trick works because eligibility for Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months.
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The discount is there to provide support for those living on low incomes or pensions
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Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director at Age UK, said: "Sadly we know energy prices will stay high this winter so it's never been more important to check whether you can claim some extra help, so you have enough money to keep warm when it gets really cold.
"The Government has put extra money aside for older people who are struggling to make ends meet, enough to make a real difference, but to get it you have to claim Pension Credit – and well over half a million pensioners are missing out just because they haven't claimed it.
"Every penny counts so we urge any older person who is feeling the pinch to contact Age UK for advice and a free benefits check.
"A successful claim for Pension Credit would top up your weekly income, giving you the confidence to keep the heating on during the colder months ahead."