Warm Home Discount
Is a one-off discount of £150 which is deducted from your energy bill – usually your electricity if you apply in time.
Who Is It For?
People who either:
- receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- receive certain means-tested benefits or tax credits and meet their energy supplier’s criteria
You can still qualify if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go payment meter.
How Do I Apply?
Your electricity supplier decides who receives the Warm Home Discount and this is limited.
Check with your supplier as early as possible to see if you are eligible and how to apply.
You should check even if you received the Discount last year.
How Does It Work?
The scheme will reopen in October 2023.
If you are eligible and apply in time your electricity supplier will deduct the money from your bill before March 31, 2024.
How Do I Find Out More?
Visit your electricity supplier’s website.
A list of all participating energy providers is available at www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/energy-suppliers
——————————————-
Winter Heating Payment
A one-off payment from Social Security Scotland to help people on low income benefits who might need extra support with their heating costs.
Who Is It For?
For people in Scotland who receive a qualifying benefit and requirements during the qualifying week (usually in November).
This replaces the DWP Cold Weather Payment.
The same benefits/tax credits are eligible however it does not depend on how cold the temperature is.
How Much Is It For?
The 2023/24 Winter Heating Payment is for £55.05 and is paid automatically in February each year.
——————————————-
Winter Fuel Payment
For people born before 26 September 1956 to help with the cost of heating.
This includes a Pensioner Cost of Living Allowance.
How Much Is It For?
The amount is between £250 and £600 and depends on when you were born and your circumstances in the qualifying week.
You would not be eligible if any of the following apply:
- were in hospital for more than a year
- need permission to enter the UK and cannot claim public funds
- were in prison during the qualifying week
How Do I Claim?
Most people receive this payment automatically if on eligible benefits/tax credits (including State Pension).
You would need to claim if:
- you do not receive any of the qualifying benefits and have not claimed before
- deferred your State Pension since the last Winter Fuel Payment
Claim by calling 0800 731 0160.
This article was first published in September 2023 and information was accurate at time of publication