DWP: State pensioners set for 'automatic' £150 winter payment from October
State pensioners are set to receive an "automatic" £150 payment as part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Warm Home Discount scheme, which will be rolled out from next month until March. Those with accounts at British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, and Octopus Energy are among the beneficiaries.
The DWP scheme provides an automatic £150 reduction on energy bills for eligible individuals. Letters informing eligible households should have started arriving since October, with the new Labour Party Government reaffirming its commitment to the scheme for this year.
The discount is applied directly to electricity bills between October and March, not as a separate payment, and the timing of the discount application may vary among energy suppliers, occurring anytime up until March 2024, Birmingham Live reports.
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount includes pensioners who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Age UK has clarified: "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 qualifying benefits include the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit. Some recipients of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit may also qualify.
However, living in a more energy-efficient property could affect eligibility for the Warm Home Discount, although this does not apply to those receiving the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit.
Should you believe the energy costs assessment to be incorrect, it can be challenged by contacting the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322. If by mid-January you haven't received a letter and believe you qualify, you can reach out to the same helpline.
The deadline for this winter will be announced later in the year.