The UK has experienced some pretty bad weather recently and with every rainy day we are reminded that winter is just around the corner. Thankfully, there is a scheme in place to help with rising energy bills in the colder months.
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The Warm Home Discount scheme is set to help Brits out with electricity bills and will open very soon - on 16 October. Octopus Energy is one of the suppliers taking part in this initiative that will see eligible customers receive £150 credit towards their bills.
About the Warm Home Discount scheme
There is one scheme for England and Wales and another for Scotland, and where you live changes whether or not you need to apply. In England and Wales, you do not need to apply - the discount should be applied automatically to those who are eligible whose supplier, like Octopus Energy, is part of the scheme
However, in Scotland you do have to apply, and we have an article on how to go about it. Between now and December, eligible households will receive a letter explaining that they qualify for the scheme.
Eligibility for the scheme
The eligibility requirements for this scheme are the same as they were last year. To qualify for this financial help, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or a different means-tested benefit such as:
- Income support
- Income based jobseeker's allowance
- Income related employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
- Pension Credit savings credit
It is worth noting that you won’t be eligible if you were not claiming any of the above on 13 August 2023.
For those who do qualify, the government will assess your energy costs based on the age, size and sort of property you live in. You could miss out on this discount if you live in a very energy-efficient property, for example. However, this rule does not apply to people who receive the guarantee credit portion of Pension Credit.
How you will receive the discount
If you pay your bills by direct debit or on receipt of your bill, the Warm Home Discount will appear in your electricity account as credit.
If you use a traditional repayment meter, you’ll receive a voucher from Octopus Energythat you can use to top up your meter at your nearest PayPoint kiosk.
If you have a smart prepayment meter, Octopus Energy will send the discount directly to your meter as credit.
Visit the government’s page on the scheme for more information.
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Sources used:
The Sun: BILL HELP Major energy supplier with 5.3million customers to make £150 automatic payments to thousands starting in days
