We wish to remind you that your electricity supplier may have signed up to the Warm Homes Discount Scheme which offers a one-off discount of £150 from your electricity bill and you may qualify for this discount. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October 2022 and March 2023. If your supplier provides you with gas and electricity, you may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead of your electricity bill.
There are 2 ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:
How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depends on how you qualify for the discount – “ "core group" in Scotland or "core group 2” in England and Wales and “border group” in Scotland.
Core group
The scheme for both groups (core group and core group 1) opens on 14 November 2022. You’ll receive a letter between November 2022 and January 2023 telling you about the discount if you’re eligible.
The
- your energy supplier is part of the scheme
- your name (or your partner’s) is on the bill
- you or your partner are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well) known as the ‘core group 1' in England and Wales or 'core group' in Scotland
- you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the 'core group 2' in England and Wales or 'broader group’ in Scotland
Most eligible households will receive an automatic discount. Your letter will say if you need to call a helpline by 28 February 2023 to confirm your details.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2023.
Broader Group
The scheme for ‘core group 2’ and "broader group" opens on 14 November 2022. You’ll receive a letter between November 2022 and January 2023 telling you about the discount if you’re eligible.
Most eligible households will receive an automatic discount. Your letter will say if you need to call a helpline by 28 February 2023 to confirm your details.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2023.
If you are part of the broader group in Scotland you may be able to apply directly to your electricity supplier. All the following must apply:
- your energy supplier is part of the scheme
- you (or your partner) get certain means-tested benefits or tax credits
- your name (or your partner’s) is on the bill
Your electricity supplier decides who can get the discount in Scotland.
The number of discounts suppliers can give is limited. Check with your supplier as early as possible to see if you’re eligible and how to apply.
Check with them even if you were eligible for a discount last year.
If you are eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2023.
You can always contact your supplier to find out if you are eligible for the discount. If you have a pre-pay or pay-as you go electricity meter or live on a mobile or park home you can still get the discount. If you believe you are eligible, contact your supplier to find out how you will get the discount.
The following link will take you to the Government's webpage which explains who qualifies and how it is paid
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Welfare Visitor, who will be able to assist you.