Millions of people living in UK to get £150 energy discount from DWP | Personal Finance | Finance
Millions of people across the UK may get a letter through their doors very soon from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about vital energy assistance which will see some people get a discount of £150.
Making a return this winter season, the Warm Home Discount scheme will give those who qualify a reduction of £150 on their electricity bills. People who qualify can expect to receive their letters from the DWP starting this October, with allowances to be made until the end of March next year.
However, rather than a cash sum being paid into bank accounts, the money will instead be applied as a discount on your energy account balances. It may also come in the form of a top-up voucher for prepayment meter consumers. Those who are dual fuel customers can inquire with their energy supplier about potentially applying this discount to gas charges instead.
The eligibility for the Warm Home Discount scheme will start by verifying your energy provider is a participant. Automatic qualification will happen if your energy supplier is taking part. It will also be paid automatically if you or your partner are recipients of the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, known as “core group one.”
To receive the discount, you or your partner must have been receiving Pension Credit on the qualifying date, which was August 11 for this winter. In England and Wales, you’re also entitled to the discount automatically if you’re on certain benefits and face high energy costs, reports the Mirror.
Benefits that qualify you for the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales are:
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Housing Benefit
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income Support
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“Savings Credit” part of Pension Credit
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Universal Credit
You could also qualify if your household income falls below a certain threshold and you get:
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Child Tax Credit
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Working Tax Credit
You can check if you’re eligible to receive the discount using the GOV.UK Warm Home Discount online tool here. If you live in Scotland and you claim benefits, you’ll need to apply for the Warm Home Discount through your supplier under the “broader group” criteria. Your electricity supplier may have extra eligibility criteria, as it is up to them who gets the discount in Scotland. It’s important to note that the scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.
