Changeworks would like to make sure everyone knows they could get a £150 discount off your electricity bill or credit for your prepayment meter.
The discount is part of Warm Home Discount Scheme by the UK Government. The scheme isn’t advertised, so you may not have heard of it.
The Warm Home Discount scheme regulated by energy regulator Ofgem. It is offered by certain electricity suppliers. Check online to see if your supplier participates.
If you are eligible, you’ll receive £150 off your electricity bill. Or if you are a prepayment meter, £150 credit. This has increased from the £140 available in previous years. The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment. You’ll receive the money into your electricity account by 31 March. The money won’t be paid into your bank account.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
To be eligible, you should either:
- Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (This is called the core group)
or
- be on a low income (This is called the broader group)
Suppliers may offer the discount to just ‘the core group’ or to both groups. Check online to see the criteria for your supplier.
How to apply for a Warm Home Discount?
You don’t need to apply if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. The payment will be made automatically. You should get a confirmation letter about the payment between October and December. Haven’t received your letter by December? You should get in touch with the Warm Home Discount helpline. You can access the helpline via this link.
The scheme opens for applications in late summer. But this exact date can be different for every supplier. Each supplier’s scheme can close at short notice, so it’s best to apply as soon as you can.
To find out the application dates and process, you should contact your electricity supplier. They may be able to help you apply or direct you to an online form. Remember you’ll still need to reapply, even if you had the discount last year.
What other help is available?
In May 2022 the UK government announced a variety of support packages. These are designed to help vulnerable households cover the cost of their bills. The first of these payments will be paid in July 2022, with the second paid in the autumn. Check online to find out more about these payments.
Changeworks’ Affordable Warmth Services team can help you with any issue related to your energy bills. Whether it’s a build-up of debt, high estimated bills, making sure you’re on as best possible deal, and great advice on your energy usage. You can give them a call on 0800 870 8800 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm) or email warmth@changeworks.org.uk.
