Automatic £150 payment coming for households that qualify in October
Pensioners with low incomes and other households in need are set to receive support with their energy bills as the Warm Home Discount scheme commences for winter 2024, providing a £150 reduction on gas and electricity bills.
This discount is not issued through direct payments but is instead applied directly to bills, offering significant savings on energy costs for many, reports BirminghamLive.
Energy providers have the discretion to apply the reductions at any point from October to March, meaning recipients may access the benefits at different times. The government will send notifications to those qualified for the scheme.
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State pensioners - those born before September 1958 - who get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit will get the support, as well as others on a low income who also have high energy costs. It comes amid the row over the Government's decision to make Winter Fuel Payments, a separate support scheme, means-tested.
The charity Age UK explains: "The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier if you're living on a low income or pension."
"Getting a Warm Home Discount doesn't affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment. If your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme then you don't need to apply for it you'll get the payment automatically if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, or another qualifying benefit, and have high energy costs."
"The money won't be paid to you directly it'll be added as credit to your electricity account. This usually happens between October and March (you might be able to get the discount applied to your gas bill if you're a dual-fuel customer i.e. you have a combined plan for gas and electricity with the same supplier)."
"If you use a prepayment meter, you'll probably be given a top-up voucher. Some suppliers also offer indirect help to customers as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. This might include advice on using less energy and help with reducing energy-related debts."
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