£150 Energy Bill Discount for Low-Income UK

UK’s Warm Home Discount

The UK government is calling on low-income households to ensure they receive a £150 discount on their energy bills under the Warm Home Discount scheme. This initiative is crucial for over 3 million households across Great Britain, particularly those at risk of fuel poverty.

Securing Essential Energy Support

Automatic Rebates for Many

Most qualifying households will automatically receive this energy bill support. However, some customers in England and Wales need to confirm their details by calling the Warm Home Discount Helpline to verify their eligibility and receive the rebate.

Urgent Call to Action

In line with Big Energy Saving Week, Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway is urging households needing to provide additional information to contact the helpline by 29 February. This is to ensure that they don’t miss out on the support they are entitled to.

Government’s Commitment to Affordability

Keeping Costs Down for Families

The Warm Home Discount scheme is part of the government’s broader measures to reduce living costs for families and increase disposable income. It aims to protect those most vulnerable to fuel poverty, especially during the winter months.

The government’s recent tax cuts are also set to benefit 27 million people across the UK. For example, a household with two average earners will save nearly £1,000 annually.

Minister’s Message to the Public

Minister Solloway’s Appeal

Amanda Solloway stresses the importance of eligible individuals acting swiftly to claim their £150 energy bill discount. She emphasizes the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable sections of society.

These customers received a letter at the end of last year explaining the discount and any necessary actions. For most, the discount will automatically apply to their bills between October 2023 and March 2024, or be available as a top-up voucher for those with prepayment meters.

Helpline and Online Resources for Eligibility

For some people in England and Wales, a call to the government helpline, as specified in their letter, is required to confirm eligibility. Additionally, the government’s Warm Home Discount gov.uk page provides an online eligibility checker. The general Warm Home Discount helpline is also available at 0800 030 9322 for inquiries.

In Scotland, customers on low incomes who haven’t received a letter may still be eligible and should contact their energy supplier as soon as possible to apply for the discount.

Wider Government Action for Vulnerable Households

Comprehensive Support Measures

The government has implemented various measures, including a £900 payment for those on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioner households, and an extra £150 for those on disability benefits. Over £2 billion has been invested in the Household Support Fund over the last two years.

The Local Housing Allowance Rate increase helps private renters on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, while Winter Fuel Payments provide £600 in tax-free cash for pensioner households. Cold Weather Payments also offer £25 automatic payments to eligible households during periods of cold weather.

Energy Cost Reduction and Advice

Government’s Help for Households Website

The Help for Households website offers advice on reducing energy costs and heating homes efficiently. The ‘It All Adds Up’ campaign provides energy-saving tips, having helped British households save an estimated £120 million on energy bills last winter.