DWP warning as people on six benefits ‘getting letters’ over £150 | Personal Finance | Finance
Alongside this announcement, officials have cautioned against potential scams, as fraudsters may try to deceive people into believing they must apply for the discount or that the funds will be paid directly to them.
Scammers are exploiting the Warm Home Discount Scheme by sending fraudulent texts that appear to be official communications. These messages falsely promise a £150 energy bill reduction, but instead aim to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive bank details.
Once obtained, this information can be used to steal money directly from victims’ accounts. The Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero has confirmed the circulation of such scam texts and is urging the public to remain cautious, emphasising that legitimate discounts are applied automatically through energy suppliers and do not require individuals to share personal financial information.
Matt Allwright appeared on BBC‘s One Show this week and said people need to be wary of the scams. He said: “Please don’t be tempted by anything that you receive about this out of the blue or on social media. Remember, keep scammers away with gov.uk.!
He explained people should only use the government’s website. On the benefit itself he said: “There have been though some changes to the warm home discount scheme which could make a big difference to you.
“2.7 million more households are now eligible for that support this year. Previously this was a £150 discount applied to your electricity bill for those on means tested benefits, living in a home with a high energy score.
“But now anyone on means tested benefits like Universal Credit or pension credit should see that money knocked off their bills. The heat rating of the property doesn’t matter anymore.
“Letters confirming your eligibility should start arriving in the next few weeks. When the discounts applied depends on your supply. If you don’t receive one but think you do qualify, go to gov.uk when the helpline opens in October.”
