Households on low incomes could be missing out on a £150 discount on their energy bills but need to act before an important deadline.
This support is available through the Warm Home Discount scheme which helps over three million Britons who are at risk of fuel poverty.
While the majority of recipients get this discount automatically through their supplier, some customers in England and Wales have been sent a letter asking them to confirm their details.
This can be done by calling the Government’s Warm Home Discount helpline at 0800 030 9322 but this has to be done by February 29, 2024.
Energy bills are on the rise but discounts are available to low income families
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Amanda Solloway, the Minister for Affordability and Skills, urged the public to check their eligibility for this support.
She said: “We will always act to support the most vulnerable – and this means making sure those most in need are getting the right support.
“Today, I am urging people on low incomes who have been notified about the Warm Home Discount to make sure they act now to get £150 off their energy bill.
“Please check your letter and call our helpline before the end of February if you need to provide more information.”
What is the Warm Home Discount?
Britons struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills could receive this £150 concession during the current rise in the cost of living.
The £150 is awarded to claimants through credit which goes towards paying off part of a household’s energy bill.
This is a one-off discount which is applied to a recipient’s gas and electricity bill between October and March 31 of the following year.
The Warm Home Discount is administered through a household’s energy supplier but only certain energy firms take part in the scheme.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Energy bills have been a major concern for households GETTY These include:
- 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
- Affect Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Boost
- British Gas
- Bulb Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Co-op Energy - see Octopus Energy
- E - also known as E (Gas and Electricity)
- Ecotricity
- E.ON Next
- EDF
- Good Energy
- London Power
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- Scottish Gas – see British Gas
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is available to households based in England, Wales and Scotland. Residents in Northern Ireland are unable to claim this support.
Residents in England and Wales qualify if they either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or have high energy bills while being on low income. People in Scotland are eligible if they get the same element of Pension Credit.
Scottish residents can also apply if they are on low income and get certain benefits but have to meet their supplier’s qualifying criteria. If this is the case, claimants in Scotland must apply but the number of concessions suppliers can award is limited.
Those concerned about their eligibility should call the Warm Home Discount helpline as soon as possible.