The annual Warm Homes Discount scheme is open now. Don’t miss out! You could get £140 towards your energy costs.
What is it?
The Warm Homes Discount is an annual government scheme to support some customers with their winter energy costs. Eligible customers can receive a rebate of £140 from their electricity bill. If you are a duel fuel customer (you get electricity and gas from the same supplier), you might be able to use your discount towards your gas costs.
How is it paid?
The rebate is credited directly to your electricity or dual fuel account. You can still receive the discount if you use a traditional or smart prepayment meter. Your supplier might send you a voucher or credit your account remotely. Contact your electricity supplier to check details.
Don’t delay – it’s first come first served
The scheme is officially open from October 12th 2020, but many electricity suppliers open to register applications from September 2020. Broader group customers (see below if you are eligible) should apply as soon as possible, as suppliers will close the scheme once their broader group fund has been allocated.
You can make an application online from your supplier’s website, or call your supplier and make an application by phone. Your supplier’s contact details will be on your most recent bill or annual statement.
Am I eligible?
There are two groups of eligible customers – the core group and the broader group.
You are automatically eligible if:
- You were in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of pension credit on 5th July 2020 (even if you get Savings Credit as well).
- You or you partner are named on your electricity bill
- Your electricity supplier takes part in the scheme.
You can check here for a complete list of participating suppliers. Click on the ‘Core Group FAQ’ tab above for more information.
You could be eligible as part of the broader group if you’re on a low income, you get certain means-tested benefits and your electricity supplier takes part in the scheme. You will need to apply directly to your electricity supplier, and, if you’re eligible, your electricity or dual fuel account will be credited between October 2020 and March 2021.
Your supplier decides who is eligible under the broader group, and each is different, so you will need to visit your supplier’s website or contact them to find out. You can check here for a complete list of participating suppliers. Click on the ‘Core Group FAQ’ tab above for more information.
Click on the ‘Broader Group FAQ’ tab above for more information.
Not sure who supplies your electricity?
If you’ve recently moved and you’re not sure which company supplies your electricity you can call UK Power Networks on
0800 029 4285
Will I still receive the discount if I’m in debt to my electricity supplier?
Yes – if you’re eligible as a core or broader group customer, and you are in debt, you will still receive the discount. Don’t put off making an application if you’re worried about debt. Your application will not be affected by this. You can also get help from your supplier, or national or local organisations. With clearing, reducing and managing fuel debt click on the ‘Other support this winter’ tab above for more information.
I’m in the Core Group, what do I need to do?
You will receive a letter from the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) and £140 will be credited to your electricity or dual fuel account between September 2020 and March 2021.
If you get the guarantee credit element of pension credit and you have not received a letter from the DWP, call the Warm Home Discount Team on 0800 731 0214 or write to them at:
Warm Home Discount Team
Blue Zone, Ground Floor Phase 1
Peel Park
Brunel Way
Blackpool
FY4 5ES
What if I’ve switched supplier?
- If you’ve switched from one participating supplier to another you will still receive the discount automatically.
- If you’ve switched after 5th July 2020 your previous electricity supplier (so long as your previous supplier participates in the scheme) is responsible for paying your discount; you will normally receive a cheque.
- If you switched from a non-participating supplier to a participating supplier after 5th July 2020 you will have to make an application as part of the broader group – even if you get the Guarantee Credit element of pension credit.
What if I’ve switched supplier?
If you switch supplier after making a broader group application for the 2020-2021 scheme you will have to re-submit your application to your new supplier. If you’re thinking of switching, it’s a good plan to check which suppliers participate in the scheme and offer the discount to broader group customers. Broader group eligibility can also differ between suppliers.
I’m in the broader group – will I have to send evidence of my benefits and income?
Your supplier will be able to check details of benefits you receive from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Don’t worry about this! A very small number of applicants are randomly selected every year to provide written evidence. Your supplier will let you know if you need to provide this.
You can ask for up-to-date copies of documents by contacting the relevant offices, as below:
- Working age income-related benefits: Your local Jobcentre Plus office – call 0800 169 0310.
- Universal Credit: Call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
- Tax Credit Award notice: Call the Tax Credit helpline on 0345 300 3900.
There are local places and organisations in Lambeth where you can get help with online access, scanning and printing, if required. You can contact Repowering London on 020 3674 7519 or info@repowering.org.uk. You could also try your local library. If you live on a housing estate, you could contact your TMO or TRA or housing association office.
Quick links and contacts:
Call – 08000 728625 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
Call 0333 0097010 8am-8pm Monday- Friday 8am-2pm Saturday
Call 0345 052000 8am – 8pm Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturday
Call 0808 1726999 or 0330 1008669 minicom or textphone: 0800 413016
8am-8pm Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturday
Call 0800 0270072 8.30am-7pm Monday-Friday 8.30am-1pm Saturday
Call 0800 300111 8am-6pm Monday-Friday
Call 0330 303 5063 8am-6pm Monday-Friday
Call 0330 102 7517 from a mobile or 0117 3323728 from a landline
8am-6pm Monday-Friday
Call 0808 164 1088 9am-5pm Monday- Thursday 9am-4pm Friday
Call 0300 30 30 635. Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (closed on bank holidays).
Tell your supplier if you need help, with making an application. Suppliers have specialist teams who are trained to provide support to customers who might find the application process difficult – for any reason. If you need extra support with managing your energy, ask your supplier about their Priority Services Register
Do you live in Lambeth? Need help with making applications, contacting your supplier or sorting out your energy bills?
Repowering London can help you with:
- Making an application for the Warm Homes Discount
- Checking eligibility and making applications to hardship funds or trusts
- Managing debt, negotiating with your supplier, helping you set up a repayment plan you can afford based on your circumstances
- Making sure you’re getting the best tariff deals and support
- Accessing grants to make your home more energy efficient. You could save hundreds of pounds every year from your energy costs and ensure your home is warm and comfortable this winter.
Contact Repowering London: 020 3674 7519 or communitysupport@repowering.org.uk
Tell your supplier if you’re struggling to pay your bills or top up your prepayment meter.
Your supplier should discuss repayment plans based on your circumstances and ability to pay. If you have a large debt, you might be eligible to apply to a hardship fund or trust. Ask your supplier about this. Your supplier can also refer you to a national debt organisation, if you would prefer to talk to them, or if you have other debts as well.
Do you live in Lambeth? Need help with making applications, contacting your supplier or sorting out your energy bills?
Repowering London can help you with:
- Making an application for the Warm Homes Discount
- Checking eligibility and making applications to hardship funds or trusts
- Managing debt, negotiating with your supplier, helping you set up a repayment plan you can afford based on your circumstances
- Making sure you’re getting the best tariff deals and support
- Accessing grants to make your home more energy efficient. You could save hundreds of pounds every year from your energy costs and ensure your home is warm and comfortable this winter.
Contact Repowering London: 020 3674 7519 or info@repowering.org.uk
Get help with paying your water bills:
Visit: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/financial-support Based on your circumstances, you could be eligible for your bills to be capped or discounted by 50%.
Extra help to stay warm at home this winter:
The Warm Homes Discount will not affect your entitlement to Winter Fuel Payments or Cold Weather Payments.
Winter-proof your home and make big savings on your energy costs:
Making your home more energy efficient could save you hundreds of pounds every year, and will ensure you stay warm and well this winter.
You could be eligible for a number of home energy efficiency schemes or grants. Check here to see which local and/or national schemes you could apply for.
