Are you eligible for the Warm House Discount scheme?

David Lambert • 28 January 2020

The Warm House Discount is a government scheme that provides people on a low income with a one-off rebate to help pay their energy bills.

Three coins are stacked on top of each other on a white surface.

Christmas is well and truly over. The temperatures have dropped and we are relying on our heating more than ever, yet we’re also at our poorest for the next couple of months. So what happens if you are struggling to pay your energy bills? Is there help out there?

With the Warm Home Discount scheme, there is. With this government scheme, you could get a rebate of up to £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2019/2020.

The Warm Home Discount is regulated by Ofgem and has been created to offer additional help to those who most need it. So if you are on a low income, you may be eligible.

Please note that the rebate is not paid directly to you – it is applied as a one-off discount on your electricity bill between September 2019 and March 2020. Alternatively you might be able to get a discount on your gas bill if your energy provider supplies you with both electricity and gas. You will need to contact your supplier for further information.

Ways you can qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme

There are two ways you can qualify for the Warm Home Discount:

1. If you are on a low income

Households are classed as being low income if they live on less than 60% of the UK’s median income – in 2016/17 this was £28,000 for a couple without any children.

You will need to receive certain means-tested benefits and your energy supplier must be part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. If you are eligible for the discount, you will need to remain with your energy provider until the rebate has been paid.

2. You receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

If you receive this credit, you are part of the ‘core’ group. In addition, your energy provider will also need to be part of the scheme.

You should have already received a letter giving you details about the discount and the helpline number to call in order to confirm your details. You will need to call this number by February 28th 2020; if you didn’t receive this letter, please contact the Warm Home Discount helpline, 0800 731 0214, Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 4:30pm if you believe you are eligible.

Don't delay

Please be aware that your energy provider makes the decision on who gets the discount; the number of discounts they can give are limited, so it is vital that you get in touch as soon as possible to check if you are eligible.

If successful, your electricity supplier will apply your Warm Home Discount by March 31st 2020.

We hope you found our article ‘Are you eligible for the Warm Home Discount scheme’ interesting and informative. If you are considering a career change into gas, or want to enhance your existing skills, we offer a wide range of accredited courses. Please do not hesitate to contact Gas Training & Assessment on 01268 727797 for further information.

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