Martin Lewis reminds Britons they could still slash £140 off energy bills this winter
MARTIN LEWIS has warned Britons there is still time to claim their Warm Home Discount amid rising fears concerning energy bills this winter.
Martin Lewis provides advice on the Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is available to households that fall into the core group and broader group, providing a discount on energy bills during the winter months. Mr Lewis cautioned that while the core group will automatically receive the discount, those in the broader group will need to apply before the end of winter.
Mr Lewis’ weekly show on ITV has captured a money savvy audience, but the latest episode featured a caution from the Money Saving Expert.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme operates between October and March each year, providing much needed financial support for the expensive winter months.
Two groups of people are eligible for this scheme, and Mr Lewis noted that the broader group will need to apply before the scheme ends.
He said: “The core group should get this automatically. But the broader group must apply.
“Eligibility varies by firm, means-tested benefits generally: Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance is what you’re looking at.”
The Warm Home Discount enables eligible households to receive a £140 discount on their winter electricity bills.
The money is not paid to the eligible claimants but is rather a one-off discount provided by their energy supplier.
Households that sue the same supplier for both gas and electricity may also be able to get the discount on their gas bill instead.
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To be eligible for the Warm Home Discount at least one of the following must apply to the claimant:
- They receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit
- They are on a low income and meet their energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.
Those that qualify through Pension Credit are known as the core group while those on low income form the broader group.
Those that receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit will qualify for the discount if all of the following applied to them on July 4, 2021:
- Their energy supplier is part of the scheme
- Their name or their partner’s is on the bill
- Them or their partner receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit.
Claimants that qualify as part of the core group usually receive a letter between October and December explaining how they can get the discount.
Additionally, the letter details whether the claimant will need to call a helpline to confirm their details and if so, the deadline for this call is February 28, 2022.
Anyone who forms part of the core group but did not receive a letter by December 31 is advised to contact the Warm Home Discount helpline.
Those that form part of the broader group will need to check with their supplier who will determine if they can get the discount.
Broader group claimants are advised to contact their supplier as early as possible as the number of discounts a supplier can provide is limited.
The Martin Lewis Money Show continues next Thursday on ITV at 8.30pm.