ENERGY firms can officially begin paying millions a £150 discount on their bills from today.
It comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) switched on the Warm Home Discount helpline for households to check if they qualify.
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The eligibility requirements for the scheme, which provides low-income families with a £150 energy bill discount, are the same as last year.
Between now and December, the government will issue letters to households that qualify for the scheme.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you should expect to receive the payment between now and the end of March 2024.
To qualify, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or a different qualifying benefit form the list below:
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If you weren’t claiming any of the above benefits on August 13, 2023, you won’t be eligible for the payment.
You may not be considered eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient property for instance, even if you receive a qualifying benefit.
But this rule doesn’t apply to recipients of the guarantee credit portion of Pension Credit.
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But if you think the energy costs assessment is inaccurate, you can challenge it by getting in touch with the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.
Do I need to apply for the discount?
People living in England and Wales don’t need to apply for the Warm Home Discount as of this year.
You get the payment automatically if your electricity supplier is part of the scheme and you qualify.
Households will receive a letter in the post over the coming weeks confirming their eligibility.
Energy regulator Ofgem says some people may be asked to contact a Government helpline to confirm their eligibility.
If you have not received a letter by the middle of January 2024, but you think you should be eligible for a rebate, contact the WHD helpline on 0800 030 9322.
Visit the government website for more information.
How do I secure the discount in Scotland?
The Scottish Government has not changed their Warm Home Discount scheme to bring it in line with England and Wales’ application-free scheme.
Households in Scotland will have to follow the rules set out in the legacy scheme.
This means there is still a “core group” that’ll receive an automatic payment and a “broader group” who’ll have to apply for the scheme with their energy provider.
How will I receive the discount from Octopus Energy?
If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of your bill the Warm Home Discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit.
If you have a traditional prepayment meter, your energy supplier will send you a voucher you can use to top up your meter at your local PayPoint kiosk.
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If you’ve got a smart prepayment meter, your supplier will send the discount directly to your meter as a credit.
It will then send you an email to let you know it’s on there.
