The deadline for claiming the Warm Home Discount to receive a £150 credit on your energy bill has been disclosed. The payment is made directly to your energy supplier and is typically issued in October or November.
To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you must be receiving certain benefits by August 24. In England and Wales, the payment is automatic, while in Scotland, it is automatic for individuals receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. For other benefits, application through your energy provider is required, with no equivalent scheme in Northern Ireland.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced the removal of the high-cost-to-heat threshold for the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales. This change is expected to increase the number of households receiving the discount next winter by 2.7 million, reaching an estimated total of 6.1 million.
If you are facing difficulties, contacting your energy provider for available assistance options is recommended. Support may include payment plans, payment breaks, and affordable debt repayments. Prepayment energy customers can access emergency credit, typically ranging from £5 to £15. Additionally, inquire about hardship funds or grants that do not require repayment, such as those offered by the British Gas Energy Trust.
During winter, Cold Weather Payments of £25 are issued to eligible individuals when the temperature averages 0°C or below over seven consecutive days. Pensioner households may also receive Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300. Charities are available to provide support for energy payment challenges or debt situations.