State pensioners are in for a financial boost as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rolls out its Warm Home Discount scheme, promising an “automatic” £150 payment to help with energy bills.
Starting from this month until March, customers of major energy suppliers like British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, and Octopus Energy will benefit from this initiative.
The DWP‘s scheme ensures a £150 cut on energy bills for those eligible, with notification letters expected to be rolled out during October. The new Labour Government has also pledged continued support for the programme this year.
This discount is not handed out as cash but is instead deducted directly from electricity bills during the period from October to March.
However, the exact timing of when the discount is applied may differ across energy providers, with the deadline extending up until March 2024.
Eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount are specific, including pensioners who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Age UK has stated: “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.”
Other benefits that could qualify individuals for the discount include the Savings Credit part of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit. Certain recipients of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit might also be eligible for the scheme, reports Derbyshire Live.
However, residing in a more energy-efficient property could impact eligibility for the Warm Home Discount, except for those receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit.
Those who think the energy costs assessment is wrong can dispute it by calling the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.
If you haven’t received a letter by mid-January and believe you’re eligible, you can contact the same helpline.
The cut-off date for this winter will be revealed later in the year.
