British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF and OVO customers told to check bank statements
Households have been told to keep an eye on their bank statements and energy accounts over the coming weeks. The Warm Home Discount scheme is set to launch again for winter 2024/25.
It will knock £150 off gas and electricity bills for certain low-income households. The scheme launches in October but it could be any time up to March before the discount is applied.
It all depends when suppliers decide to do it for their customers. The Government should write to those who qualify for support.
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It includes pensioners who get the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit as well as other low-income households with high energy costs. Uncertainty over when exactly the discount will be applied means it's a good idea to make regular checks to bank accounts and statements, as well as energy accounts which these days can be easily viewed online.
This will let you know if you've been paying more or less than usual or have made any unexpected savings. It will also ensure those getting the discount don't spend the extra cash without realising it.
The discount is applied directly to bills rather than being made in the form of a payment, but the effect is the same for many - saving them cash on energy payments. The support is means-tested, like the Winter Fuel Payments will now be.
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."