State Pensioners are in for a financial boost as they’re set to automatically receive a free £150 in their bank accounts. The Warm Home Discount scheme, launched by the Government in April 2011, aims to assist those on low incomes or pensions in England, Scotland, and Wales with their energy bills during the colder months.
Eligible recipients can expect the one-time £150 discount to be applied to their accounts by the end of March next year at the latest.
British Gas customers will see the discount credited directly to their electricity account. “And if you’re on Pay as you go, we’ll send you a voucher you can use to top up your meter at a Post Office,” the energy giant has clarified.
Pay As You Go smart meter users will have it even easier, as British Gas pledges to credit the discount directly to their meters and confirm via email. Should there be any delays, a voucher for a Post Office top-up will be issued instead.
“That way you’ll still get your discount as soon as possible. With a pay-as-you-go smart meter it’s easier to see how much energy you use in pounds and pence and you can top up from wherever you like, whenever you like.”
“If you don’t already have a smart meter, you can find out more and book an upgrade.”
The Government website provides detailed information on the qualifying benefits and eligibility for the discount. In England and Wales, eligible individuals will receive confirmation from the Government, reports Birmingham Live.
The criteria to qualify for the Warm Home Discount remain unchanged from the previous year. Eligibility requires claiming either the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or another ‘qualifying benefit’.
The Government will assess your energy costs based on your residence. To be eligible, you must be on these benefits and a British Gas electricity customer as of August 11, 2024.
