£150 energy bill discount on offer for people born before this date

A financial reprieve is on the horizon for low-income pensioners and other households struggling with energy costs. That's because the Warm Home Discount scheme gears up to deliver £150 savings to gas and electricity bills.

Set to roll out once again for the winter of 2024, this reduction won't come in the form of a lump-sum payment. Instead, it will be applied as a direct discount to energy accounts, helping to keep money in people's pockets during the challenging colder months.

The discretion on when to implement these Winter Warmers rests with each energy provider, anytime from October through until March, resulting in varied relief timelines. But not to worry, the Government will write to those eligible about what to expect, reports Birmingham Live.

State pensioners born pre-September 1958 and recipients of the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit will benefit, alongside others plagued by low income and soaring energy expenses. This assistance is particularly noteworthy amid the controversy of the newly means-tested Winter Fuel Payments, a separate aid initiative.

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The charity Age UK explains: "The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier if you're living on a low income or pension.

"Getting a Warm Home Discount doesn't affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment. If your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme then you don't need to apply for it – you'll get the payment automatically if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, or another qualifying benefit, and have high energy costs.

"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 March (you might be able to get the discount applied to your gas bill if you're a dual-fuel customer – i.e. you have a combined plan for gas and electricity with the same supplier).

"If you use a prepayment meter, you'll probably be given a top-up voucher. Some suppliers also offer indirect help to customers as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. This might include advice on using less energy and help with reducing energy-related debts."

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