Cash boost for 160,000 households missing out on Warm Home Discount – can you claim £150 for energy bills?
THOUSANDS of households missing out on the Warm Home Discount could be entitled to free cash to help with their energy bills.
The Warm Home Discount is an annual scheme that is available to those on the lowest incomes to help with rising energy costs.
Households in England and Wales don't need to apply to get the cash and they'll automatically qualify if they are receiving certain benefits.
But the scheme is slightly different for 159,000 people living in park homes who miss out on the scheme by not having a direct account with their energy supplier.
A park home is a type of mobile home that is lived in all year round.
Residents are often elderly, retired and have restricted incomes.
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Instead, these households can apply for a £150 grant through the charity Charis.
Unlike the Warm Home Discount, which is paid for by the government, the Chairs scheme is funded by E.ON Next.
You may qualify for the Park Homes Warm Home Discount if you, or someone in your household, receives one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Income related Employment & Support Allowance
- Income based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income Support
- Universal Credit showing an earned income between £0 and £1,561 a month
- Child Tax Credit by virtue of an award based on an annual income not exceeding £18,723
- Working Tax Credit by virtue of an award based on an annual income not exceeding £18,723
- Housing Benefit (or Housing element if receiving Universal Credit)
- Or the Total Gross annual household income across everyone living in your household is below £18,723 (before tax and deductions)
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If you think you could be eligible, you can apply by filling in a form on the Charis website.
The charity, which manages schemes on behalf of companies, authorities and charities, said the form should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.
Charis director of client Services, Jonathan Hunt, said: "Traditionally, off grid residents, such as those living in park homes, have missed out on much needed financial support due to a lack of good, accessible communications and a lack of understanding about the way in which energy hardship support systems can work if you do not have a direct relationship with your energy supplier."
But it's important to be aware that applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis, and once all funding is allocated, the scheme will be closed.
The scheme is open now, so it's best to get in there early if you think you may be eligible.
If your application is successful, a payment of £150 will be made directly into your bank or building society account by March 31, 2024.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is an automatic £150 discount off energy bills, and payments began this month.
As it is a discount, no money is paid to you.
You'll need to be a recipient of one or more of the following benefits to qualify:
- 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 guaranteed
- Pension credit savings credit
If you weren't claiming any of the above benefits on August 13, 2022, you won't be eligible for the payment.
Where someone claims a qualifying benefit, the government will assess their energy costs based on the type, age and size of property.
You may not be considered eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient property for instance, even if you receive a qualifying benefit.
This rule doesn't apply to recipients of the guarantee credit portion of Pension Credit.
But you can challenge it by getting in touch with the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.
How do I apply for the discount?
People living in England and Wales don't need to apply for the Warm Home Discount.
You get the payment automatically if your is part of the scheme and you qualify.
Though energy regulator Ofgem says some people may be asked to contact a Government helpline to confirm their eligibility.
The money won't be paid to you directly – it'll be added as credit to your electricity account. This usually happens between October and April.
Visit the Government website for more information.
What other energy bill support is there?
A number of energy firms offer struggling customers grants if they can't afford to pay their bills.
British Gas, Scottish Power and Octopus Energy all offer help worth up to £1,500.
You should contact your supplier to see what help is available.
Meanwhile, you might be able to get help paying for your energy bills via the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The fund is worth £842million and has been distributed among local councils in England who are allocating it based on their own criteria.
That means what help you can get varies depending on where you live but in most cases you'll receive help if you are on benefits or a low income.
Some local authorities are handing out energy vouchers while others are paying money directly into bank accounts.
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You should contact your local council to see if you can get any help.
You can find out what council area you fall under by using the Government's council locator tool.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.