Thousands of British Gas customers eligible for £150 energy bill relief this winter

British Gas is giving eligible customers the extra cash through the government's Warm Home Discount scheme, it has confirmed.
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British Gas is set to provide a financial boost this winter, confirming that thousands of its seven million customers will receive a free £150 through the government's Warm Home Discount scheme.

From October, British Gas will distribute payments from the Warm Home Discount scheme to eligible customers. The criteria for qualification are consistent with the previous years recipients will need to be claiming either the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or another designated 'qualifying benefit.

"Your eligibility and energy costs will be assessed by the Government based on your property. British Gas elucidated: "If you live in England or Wales and we supply your electricity, you don't need to apply, even if you applied in previous years. The Government decide who is eligible and will write to you if you are. We then make the payment to you by 31st March 2025."

Read more: State pensioners to receive Christmas 'bonus' from DWP after losing £300 Winter Fuel Payment

In cases where individuals do not meet the requirements for the scheme, British Gas pointed out: "If you are not eligible for the scheme, unfortunately we can't help you appeal as it was all decided by the Government. Customers wishing to appeal any decisions in England and Wales will need to visit the Government's dedicated website.", reports Birmingham Live.

A range of benefits qualify as per the stipulations of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Labour Party government, including Income support, Income-based jobseeker's allowance, Income-related employment and support allowance, Housing benefit, Universal Credit, Child tax credit, Working tax credits and the "savings credit" segment of pension credit.

If you weren't claiming any of the above benefits on August 11, 2024, you won't be eligible for the payment. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you should expect to receive the payment between the middle of October and the end of March at the very latest.

British Gas faces competition from other energy providers such as Octopus, EDF, E On and Ovo.