Vulnerable groups of people are at risk of missing out on a key financial package unless they carry out an important task before Sungday
Pensioners and low-income families could lose out on £150 in benefits within four days unless they take swift action. The Warm Home Discount scheme, aimed at assisting with gas and electricity bills, has been extended to cover over six million households, up from 2.7 million the previous year.
Experts are warning that time is ticking for some families who could miss the discount if they fail to update their energy bill account details by August 24. A spokesperson from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice highlighted the additional strain those already grappling with soaring living costs will face.
They said: “Many of the households eligible for the Warm Home Discount are already managing tight budgets, with rising living costs eating into pensions and benefits. A £150 saving on energy bills may not sound transformational, but for pensioners and families on means-tested support, it can mean the difference between heating their home properly this winter or cutting back elsewhere.”
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
In England and Wales, automatic qualification for the scheme is granted to households that get the following benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and have their name on the electricity bill:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
Meanwhile, in Scotland, households receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit typically get the reduction automatically, as long as their name is listed on the energy bill.
However, Bristol Live reports that other households on means-tested benefits will need to apply directly through their energy provider when applications open in October.
The specialist from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice highlighted the importance of action, saying: “It’s absolutely crucial that people, particularly older pensioners, check they are named on their electricity bill ahead of the 24 August deadline. If their name isn’t on the account – for example, if they’ve recently moved or the bill is still in a partner’s name – they could miss out on an automatic discount and face delays in receiving help.”
Why pensioners must act
The expert also pointed out the particular risks retirees face with soaring heating costs, noting: “We continue to see pensioners disproportionately impacted by rising household bills, as they tend to spend more time at home and need to maintain a consistent level of heating.”
They added: “Schemes like this provide essential support, but we would encourage pensioners to also review other entitlements such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and Council Tax support to ensure they are not missing out on additional help.”
Last winter saw a significant 96 per cent of eligible households receive the Warm Home Discount automatically, making it the most effective way to secure this financial aid.