The deadline for claiming the Warm Home Discount this year has been disclosed. The Warm Home Discount program provides a £150 discount directly applied to your energy bill or as credit for prepayment customers. Eligibility requires claiming specific benefits by August 24.
The payment process for the Warm Home Discount varies by region. In England and Wales, the discount is automatically applied. In Scotland, automatic payment applies if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. For other benefits, application through your energy supplier is necessary. There is no similar scheme in Northern Ireland.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced the removal of the high-cost-to-heat threshold for the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales. This change is expected to increase the number of households receiving the discount next winter by 2.7 million, totaling an estimated 6.1 million recipients.
In case of financial difficulties, contacting your energy provider for available assistance options is recommended. Support may include payment plans, breaks, debt repayments, and verifying if you are on the most cost-effective tariff. Prepayment customers facing power shortage concerns can access emergency credit, typically ranging from £5 to £10.
Additionally, exploring hardship funds or grants from your energy provider, such as the British Gas Energy Trust offering up to £2,000, can provide further assistance. During winter, Cold Weather Payments of £25 are issued when temperatures are consistently 0°C or below over seven days. Pensioner households may also receive Winter Fuel Payments up to £300. Charities are available to offer support for energy payment challenges or debt situations.