Learn about the Warm Home Discount Scheme and see if you qualify for a £140 discount on your electricity bill for winter 2017 to 2018. The scheme is aimed at helping those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, particularly during the colder months.
What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to those who may be struggling to pay their energy bills. It is a one-off discount of £140 on your electricity bill and is normally paid between October and March. The scheme is aimed at those who are most vulnerable, including pensioners and low-income households.
The discount is not paid directly to you, but is instead paid to your gas or electricity provider. This means that you will not receive a cheque or any other form of payment. Instead, the discount will be applied directly to your electricity bill.
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
There are two ways in which you may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:
- You receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- You are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you will automatically qualify for the scheme. You do not need to apply for it separately.
If you are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria, you may also be eligible for the scheme. However, the criteria for the scheme can vary between energy suppliers, so it is important to check with your supplier to see if you qualify.
Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters
Even if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter, you may still be eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example it may be a voucher you can use to top up your power meter.
Conclusion
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a valuable initiative aimed at helping those who may be struggling to pay their energy bills. If you think you may be eligible for the scheme, it is important to check with your energy supplier to see if you qualify. The scheme can provide a much-needed financial boost during the colder months, and can help to ensure that vulnerable households are able to stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter.
