Millions of people on benefits will get £150 off their electricity bill this winter through the UK’s Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme.
The Warm Home Discount scheme has been running since 2011, giving £140 off your electric bill. But this year a lot has changed:
- the amount has gone up to £150;
- the criteria have changed – the government expects 750,000 more people will qualify,
- most people no longer have to apply – you will get it automatically;
- there are now different processes in England & Wales and Scotland.
Last year you could have applied for the WHD in September – so people are asking what is happening this year. But many suppliers haven’t put any details on their websites yet.
Here is an overview. I will keep this page updated as more details are known.
Contents
Does your supplier take part in the new WHD scheme?
All suppliers with more than 50,000 domestic customers have to take part. It is optional for smaller suppliers.
This is the list for the WHD scheme in winter 2022-23:
- British Gas
- Bulb Energy
- E (Gas and Electricity)
- E.ON
- Ecotricity
- EDF Energy
- ESB Energy
- Green Energy (UK)*
- Outfox the Market
- Good Energy
- Octopus Energy
- OVO Energy
- Rebel Energy*
- Scottish Power
- Shell Energy
- Utility Warehouse
- Utilita.
* these are smaller suppliers who have volunteered to give the WHD discount to everyone eligible in England and Wales but only people on Pension Credit in Scotland.
To get the WHD you have to have been with a supplier on this list on August 21st 2022. If you have now moved to a different supplier, the supplier you were with in August has to give you the WHD.
The new Warm Home Discount scheme in England & Wales
Two groups of people will be eligible;
- all pensioners who get Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- people on most means-tested benefits (including Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit (Savings Credit), and some people on Tax Credits) who also meet a High Energy Costs test.
This High Energy Costs test is new. The government will work out from the floor area of your house, its age and the property type whether you are likely to have high heating bills. This will be done using data from the Valuations Office Agency (VOA), which is used to set council tax bands.
Because the government is working out who is eligible, you no longer have to apply for the WHD if you live in England or Wales. The government should tell the energy suppliers who should be getting the WHD automatically.
It’s thought that the VOA holds the relevant data for 98% of housing in England and Wales. Where it doesn’t people will be contacted. Ofgem says:
If you are eligible, you should receive a letter from Government in November and December. In most cases, you will not need to do anything. Some people may be asked to contact a government helpline to confirm their eligibility.
The new Warm Home Discount scheme in Scotland
VOA data is not available in Scotland, so the government can’t decide automatically who will get the WHD. The good news though is that the criteria will now be the same across all suppliers and more people will get this than last year.
The application process for the WHD in Scotland will work in a similar way to the previous Scheme:
- pensioners getting Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) will get the WHD automatically and will not have to apply;
- if you are of working age and on means-tested benefits, you will have to apply, probably in November. Details of how to do this have not yet been announced.
This should be a big improvement for most people
The government expects an extra 750,000 households will benefit from the WHD this year who did not get it last year.
Many of the changes are very good news, ending the “supplier lottery”:
- people in England & Wales no longer have to apply for the Warm Home Discount;
- the criteria are now the same across all suppliers;
- you can switch suppliers and still get the discount.
Call the new WHD helpline on 0800 107 8002 if you do not get the letter by mid-January 2023 and you think you should be eligible.
We won’t know how well the “High Energy Costs Criteria” will work in practice:
- it’s not clear how many people will have to contact the new helpline to establish they are eligible;
- we don’t know how accurate the data on people’s homes is that the Valuation Agency holds;
- the idea of giving the money to people who need it most sounds good, but will some people in cold, poorly insulated homes not get picked up by the automatic calculations? There are concerns that the new criteria will be less likely to apply for smaller homes and this may disadvantage single people and families who are in fuel poverty.
One group are definitely losing out with the new scheme. People on disability benefits who do not receive any other means-tested benefits will no longer get the WHD.
Other help with energy costs & other bills
In 2022 a range of help is being provided to help people with rising bills, including energy:
- every household will get £400 off their electric bill, paid in 6 monthly installments from October 2022 to March 2023. How it’s paid depends on how you pay for your electricity
- if you are on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Tax Credits or some other means-tested benefits you will receive a payment of £650 this year, split into two parts. Most people will already have received the first payment.
- if you get a disability benefit, you will get an extra £150.
The revised Warm Home Discount scheme is in addition to two other long-running schemes:
- most people born before 26 September 1956 can claim a Winter Fuel Payment. This was £100 – £300 last year but now has an extra ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’ of between £150 and £300 for 2022-23 only, so in total it will be £250-£600. If you had this last year, you don’t need to reapply.
- if the weather gets very cold, some people on Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit will be able to get Cold Weather Payments.
Options when you cant pay bills & debts
Could a Debt Relief Order help you?
Why a prepayment meter won’t help
Cheryl Widdowson says
Disappointing that criteria now seems to exclude low income workers that previously were able to claim WHD. Very limited support for them.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
if they are getting UC or housing benefit they may be eligible but it will depend on the High Energy Costs test. Single people in a small flat may well lose out – one of the groups that is already most likely to have a deficit budget.
Debbie says
I am disabled and on esa for my mental health illnesses and am no longer am i going to be getting WHD payment this year this is so wrong I don’t know what to do now???????
Danny McGuinness says
We were told that a lot more people will become Eligible for the WHD this year
Just remember that a Huge rule change like this would only be carried out were it benefits them not us overwise the WHD criteria would have remained the same
I have cracks and gaps all over my property and a poorly fitted front door old windows poor insulation but having a new boiler makes the paperwork look like a energy efficient property
Regardless of property size there are people still paying well over the Odds on energy and food prices ETC disgusting isn’t the word we all have been left out to dry
Zo says
Agreed. Because my rented terrace has D energy rating I no longer qualify. I have three children, 1 disabled on pip and I am getting income support and carers allowance. The WFD really helped and now I’m not eligible. How low will income have to get – this is frightening times and we are all cold and hungry
Sharon says
I completely agree with everything you just said and am in very similar circumstances..because of the age of my property they say..a property that’s 20years old,double glazing thats failing,drafty as you like,drafts comin in from round the doors as well,but I had a new boiler a few years back..I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do now,me&my daughter will have grin and bear it..you can’t even appeal their decision..
Jo says
We have heard that the Warm Homes Scheme has been cancelled. Is this true?
Sara (Debt Camel) says
I am not sure which scheme this is?
The article above explains how the Warm Home Discount Scheme is being changed radically this year, but extended rather than cancelled.
In London there is the Warmer Homes programme? Also one with a similar name in Portsmouth?
Debbi says
One group are definitely losing out with the new scheme. People on disability benefits who do not receive any other means-tested benefits will no longer get the WHD.
As part of this group I constantly miss out, industrial injuries, ESA ( contribution) & private pension, it’s unfair to push me into having to claim means tested benefit so I can pay my energy bills & keep my head above water!
Sara (Debt Camel) says
If you are eligible for means-tested benefits, you should claim them. This may also make you eligible for the £650 extra help being given to most people on benefits this year.
Also your energy supplier may have extra help to offer you because you no longer get this – some of them may. It’s worth asking about.
Barbara says
Absolutely agree. I have had the WHD for the last few years, as a disabled person on DLA. This year I can’t even apply!
Natasha says
I’m pretty sure I’m one of those who lose out. I’m disabled and get PIP, so used to qualify but now I don’t. I was ill health retired so get a pension income which for UC is counted as unearned income meaning the threshold to qualify is much much lower thus I don’t get anything despite the fact people earning more than me get UC. I don’t suppose you know of any work around or is it like the £650 cost of living payment where I just lose out? Guess I get the £150 disability payment so that will make up for it this year.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
You can ask your energy supplier if they have any extra help to offer you because you no longer get this – some of them may.
Jo says
We heard a lady from one of the disability charities saying on TV that the scheme had been cancelled. She said this means that effectively, many disabled people will only get £10 from Gov this year.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
You may have misheard? Or the statement may have been vague or wrong?
Are you getting any means tested benefits?
jimbob says
This should work out a lot easier for me this year. Always received it eventually but so called randomly picked 6 years in a row by BG to prove to Charis Grants i qualified. Very happy with the change
Julie says
Alongside the other comments I notice those eligible for HB qualify but what about home owners (and other low incomes as above) currently eligible for Council Tax Reduction? Surely there should be a 3rd discretionary group as before for such as these?
BTW I heard a radio advert for the British Gas Energy Trust Grant on the radio the other day – the first time I’ve heard any of the utility grants advertised. Are the non-qualifiers for WHD to rely on this possibly being awarded now instead to get the help they need?!
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Home owners getting CTR but not UC must be a pretty small group? I don’t think they have tried to make this comprehensive.
yes non qualifiers for WHD can apply for grants.
RACHEL OFFLEY says
I am in this group – no Cost of Living payment or Warm Home Discount which I have been relying on for years …. I moved house in Jan 22 and have been having major issues with British Gas since …. I have 13 bills in front of me – the latest is correct except they have changed my fixed DD to £10 a month for gas and £20 for electricity!! In whose world is that likely to be right? I have had a complaint running which they keep closing, and am unable to change my own DD online. I was paying £71.71 which wasn’t covering it anyway, but could never get a proper answer. Now a new complaint and a £1500 bill I cannot pay. Now disabled, desperate and in debt.
I have tried to do a benefits calculator experiment which says I would be better off under UC but am really not sure?? Hesitant to change things as it may trigger a PIP transition from DLA – anyone know the pros and cons??
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Apart from DLA, are you getting any other benefits? Are you single and living on your own?
Mrs Rachel Offley says
Yes, Contributary ESA, living with disabled adult daughter, no Cost of Living Payment either!
Sara (Debt Camel) says
I think you should get an appointment with your local Citizens Advice. They can do a full “what if” benefit calculation for you abd talk you through the pros and cons of switching now or waiting until you are migrated across to UC. And also look at your daughter’s situation.
Rachel says
Hi Sara
I had a phone consultation with Citizens Advice yesterday as in order to apply for help from the British Gas Energy Trust, I have had to have had debt advice in the last 3 months – wasn’t in debt until they messed me about! Sadly just seen this reply or would have asked her, BUT knowing the state I am in financially I would have thought she would have suggested it if it would have been of any benefit – although I am assuming also that ther will have been a qualifying date for the COL payment which I would have missed?
Sara (Debt Camel) says
I think you should go back and ask for their help to consider if it’s worth moving to UC now. You have missed the cut off date for the second Cost of Living payment BUT we don’t yet know what provisions will be for people to get help with energy bills from April after the “energy price cap” ends – there may well be some means tested benefit in here.
Lottie E says
If you’re better off on UC, you should claim it (do make certain first though as previously advised). PIP and DLA are completely separate and a claim for UC will not trigger anything there.
Petula says
Hi, I have just found your website and am so pleased to see that you have had a section under Support for Mortgage Interest. I can’t find anything anywhere regarding the rate of 2.09% changing, even though the Bank of England base rate keeps getting higher and higher!!! I’m only on disability benefits and my mortgage company are really pressuring me to pay £500 monthly towards my mortgage. The also know my health is extremely poor. The only thing that can stop me being repossessed is the SMI rate increasing.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
The Bank of England publishes an average interest rate for new mortgages. SMI is set by reference to this rate (NOT the Bank of England base rate) but SMI is only changed when that rate increases or decreases by more than 0.5%.
I think you should talk urgently to a debt adviser about your situation.
Tony says
I currently receive the Warm Home discount from my energy supplier because I meet the criteria for the Broader Group i.e. over 65 years of age with an income of less than £16000 (£12000 in my case). I receive no benefits so as I understand it I will no longer be eligible and will be £300 worse off. Is this correct?
Sara (Debt Camel) says
have you used a benefits calculator recently to see if you are entitled to any benefits? See https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
Alison says
Anyone in receipt of the state pension should use one if the benefit calculators that are available online. I think many of them will be surprised to find that they are eligible for either pension savings credit ot guaranteed pension credit. Please dont be too proud to find out and apply. You have worked most of your life paying taxes and the state pension is so low so why shouldn’t you see if you are eligible for some extra help. If like my parents you aren’t good with anything other than browsing on the internet, ask a family member or Citizens Advice bureau to help you. Please dont miss out on the benefits you are entitled to.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
great point. This is a good calculator: https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
Mavis says
I have previously received Warm Home discount because of my income being below £16,600. I am not eligible for any benefits although my savings are not particularly high. I think that there will be many people like me. Basically it is now means tested which is never fair. Once again those of us who prepared for retirement, not with huge amounts of savings, are being penalised. The sum at which you can claim benefits is unrealistic and you only have to go over by pounds and your cannot claim. Being a pensioner on the old State Pension I am already £40/week worse off than those who retired from April 2016.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
can you tell me how much your state pension is a week? and whether you have any other income?
Jackie Walker says
So I’m currently in debt to Utilita, they take 25% of every penny I put on my prepayment meter!
They took it off my £66 first payment from the government so I was just wondering if anybody knows if they will do the same with my £150 warm home grant???
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Yes very probably. The full details of this years WHD scheme are still not yet known and may vary between suppliers but it’s likely that the extra money is treated in the same way as a top up.
So what help can you get:
– do you have other debts as well as these arrears?
– are you already finding it difficult to up the meter or are you worried you won’t be able to afford it in Jan & Feb when it’s colder?
Rachel says
The suppliers themselves apparently aren’t in charge of the WHD anymore so BG have told me …. if you are on Legacy benefits you won’t get it anyway …. like me who has had it for years, in fact probably since it began in 2011 …. I think that possibly in order that they don’t do that so you can have some energy to actually use, maybe get in touch with Stepchange or Citizens Advice (although they are hard to get hole of, need to be referred now I think) Have you small children or disabled as if on Priority Services Register they can’t do that possibly? Good luck x
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Some “legacy benefits” are included – the list is (from Ofgem):
Households in receipt of certain means-tested benefits and income-capped Tax Credits :
Income related Employment and Support Allowance
Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Support
Universal Credit
Housing benefit
Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits
Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC).
Ben Broad says
Here’s a question, I received the letter today saying I qualify for the Warm Home Discount but I don’t pay the energy bills in my household its my Father as I live with my parents, would the discount still be applied?
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Who was the letter from?
Ben Broad says
It was from HM Goverment, I qualified for the 2nd Cost of Living Help due to reduced earnings in august that was enough to qualify for universal credit. But curious about this as the bill isn’t in my name.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
If you use this eligibility checker here https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-eligible-for-warm-home-discount it says you aren’t eligible if the name on the bill isn’t your or your partners
jimbob says
My friend had a similar situation. Their energy company applied 150 pound to the meter the day after
Sara (Debt Camel) says
That’s interesting because I was going to guess the other way.
jimbob says
Just to clarify. They are boyfriend and girlfriend. Energy account in ladies name. Benefit entitlement and WHD letter in males name
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Ah that may be different. Most benefit claims are joint claims with a partner.
jimbob says
I am confused. I have a question if anyone can answer. Is there a time frame when we will be informed if we will be getting the WHD discount
Sara (Debt Camel) says
You should be told by your supplier before the end of December. If you don’t hear anything by then, phone the number given in the article above.
jimbob says
Thank you for that. I thought i read that DWP was sending out letters in November to those who qualify and energy companies would decide when to apply discount before 31/03/2023. And also my friends letter was sent by DWP
jimbob says
WHD scheme helpline number was told is now 0800 107 8002 and letter will arrive up to mid january 2023
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Thanks! I will update the article
Linda says
I have qualified for the old style WHD for years. Sadly this year because I live in a bungalow I no longer qualify. I meet the criteria for low income but because bungalows are naturally smaller than houses they mostly seem to have been excluded from the new ‘plus’ part of the new scheme. When I first moved into this bungalow from a 3 bedroom house my heating bills went through the roof. It costs me more to heat this tiny place than it did to heat a place more than twice it’s size. There is no accounting for anomalies like this in their calculations. They work it out on age of property and floor size. I filled in their ‘do I qualify’ form online and it has told me I don’t.
I phoned EDF to see if they have any help for people who no longer qualify and she assured me that because I was an existing claimant and on their priority services register that I still qualified and the GOVERNMENT would be writing to me in due course.
There was nowhere on their website that said what she was telling me, and she couldn’t back it up with written proof yet she insisted she was right and I was wrong.
If anyone has any kind of confirmation in writing from EDF that even if you do not qualify under the new scheme’s criteria you still qualify because you used to receive it, please shout out. I suspect she hadn’t a clue what she was talking about though. So fearful of the bills I have yet to put my heating on!
I reach pension age next December (2023) and I won’t even qualify for the pensioner winter fuel allowance because the cut off date to claim that for some strange reason is in the September.
B says
I am gob smacked disabled people who tend to use more energy, due to being at home during the day will probably not get it if they live in a small property How can that even bern allowed to happen?? So costs low due to floor space but high because many disabled people need to heat their homes for more time than someone at work. Who thought up this new scheme?
Sara (Debt Camel) says
I agree.
Linda says
In answer to your question. A heartless Tory!
louise says
Can anyone clarify the following please. I live with 2 other tenants. In a purpose built disability home. We each have our own rooms and share kitchen and living space. We each pay rent for our own rooms. However there is only one electricity meter for the whole building. All 3 names are on the bill and we pay equally towards the cost. I received a letter to say I am eligible for the Warm home grant The other 2 tenants are disable and on benefits also so probably will receive a letter too. My question is do we each receive a discount in our own right? That will be deducted from the total bill. Our home is huge and the annual bill is estimated at £9000+ per year
Sara (Debt Camel) says
I’m sorry, I don’t know. I would be interested to know the answer!
m.miller says
Im a pensioner on credits with no disability as such. If I could receive even the PIP then i wouldnt need the WHD. I agree with the changes made as I am far below PIP payments in as much that being 80 yrs old I dont meet the criteria involved. Age is a disability in itself and am poorly paid but financially budget to bring myself up to the standards of disability payments.
Rachel says
Bizarrely after being told I wasn’t eligible, due to being on Contributory ESA, I received a letter yesterday saying that I was getting it??
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Some people are on contributory ESA but would actually qualify on a non-contributory basis. I wonder if that is it?
jimbob says
The gov website checker really is crazy. I tried to get some guidance as to what result to expect and wow how strange. A lot of emphasis seems to be determined by home size and build date. Could not find my specific answer to my property. So found website that had details of neighbours and used theirs. Build 1936 and 79 square meters not entitled. Add say to 81 square meters favourable answer. Change build date to 1926 and 79 meters favourable answer. What a minefield. Goodness knows how they have come to work out this criteria
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Urghh. Sounds like a lottery.
jimbob says
Council was able to locate build date for me as 1926 but not house size. But neighbours in terraced row on property website says built between 1930 to 1949. Five years to build each house it seems. Ah well just have to wait and see if letter comes
Neil says
I just had a letter saying that I no longer wasn’t entitled to the WHD, rang them up and after 39mins was told I would be getting the WHD.
I have a small NHS pension, ESA (contribution) at a reduced rate, and DLA.
The information they had on my property was completely wrong and it the explanation was that they were using a different company for their information.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
oh no, what if you hadn’t queried it!
Linda says
I am very confused. The new scheme is meant to only be for folks on income related benefits. But so far all I keep seeing is people on contibutory based benefits getting it and no one else. Not having a go at anyone lucky enough to get it just don’t understand how their rules state one thing but the practicality is different!
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Part of this may be terminology and part may be due to old benefit claims, see https://askcpag.org.uk/content/207210/old-style-esa-who-can-get-it for an example which explains how confusing this can sound.
Old bean says
EPC certificates are needed. No EPC , no payment as they will take a street average on value and EPC value. It is supposedly D-G but D is dodgy .
They have thrown out disabled people and trying everything to not pay anyone else .
This must be the biggest change and exclusion for help to those who really need it.
It is a travesty . Housing associations are getting inundated with calls for EPC’s . No one is going to have them in time if they wait for the Mid January deadline.
B says
HA have no obligation to provide EPC unless a new tenant moves in and WHD team say they have other ways to check too. Yeah right
Danny McGuinness says
My EPC certificate is 9 years old
The government have gone off 9 year old data to tell me I’m not eligible although I meet every other criteria
Bridget Haslam says
Sadly its not law to have up to date u less a new tenant moves in. They then said they address it onnother things like size! I won’t be getting it I’ve written to MP
Lottie E says
The data they use are age, type, and size of property. The EPC is actually irrelevant, the size on it is different from the size the VOA uses and the building year bands are different too. The actual data used won’t change with time (unless an extension is built, or part of the house knocked down!) so the EPC being out of date is irrelevant.
Meeting the income criterion is only half of it, living in a qualifying property is the other half.
Louisa says
The calculator says I don’t qualify due to the data held on my EPC however I received it last year so will be calling to query this. I have 3 children 1 aged under 5, and we receive UC as I only work 2 days a week and my husband is a cancer patient and receives the LCWRA element of UC. My house has damp walls and mouldy windows, a leaky bathroom roof, my bathroom and the babies room don’t even have radiators so I have to run electric heaters upstairs. How they can say I don’t qualify as my house is essentially “not cold enough” is beyond me, when I have 2 people in the house who constantly need to be kept warm. I will update to let you know if I get anywhere with them, just incase anyone is in a similar situation.
Bridget says
It’s based on the size of the property and an epc. Sadly most people In small properties will miss our despite getting it every year and no they won’t change their mind
Louisa says
It’s ridiculous. Was told the same though this morning, they will not change their mind and you can’t challenge it regardless of your circumstances. If my house was built one year earlier or was 14 square metres bigger I would qualify though! What a stupid way to decide who’s eligible.
jimbob says
Your comment they will not change their mind and build date is very interesting. HM Land Registry website says my build post 1930 is not eligible. Local Council says house build April 1926 which is eligible. Wondering if their source is final or my evidence would be able to change their mind.
Louisa says
It’s definitely worth asking. Maybe I’ll phone my council and see if they can tell me when mine was built as 1930-1949 is very vague.
Lottie E says
It’s not based on EPC rating, it’s based on age, type and size. No nuance whatsoever, either properties qualify based on those characteristics or they don’t. Never mind whether they’re actually as efficient as they should be (in a village there’s a house built in the 90s with an EPC rating of F! Which nobody would expect for a house of that age) but it’s where the calculation places them regardless of the reality.
Old bean says
It is basically trying to limit the amount that it is handed to, not maximise the amount of people.
The government’s argument is if you live in a poorly insulated home, you get help. If you live in a modern home you do not need help due to energy efficiency. It does not matter if you live on your own or have children. It is based purely on the property not circumstantial evidence.
Louisa says
My home was built in 1935 and is too modern to qualify apparently. If it was built in 1929 though it wouldn’t be. Absolute madness.
Bridget says
But it’s pretty much incorrect . Most of it will be based on size of the property and many many vunerable bar the elderly will not recieve it as many live in small properties mine is small doesn’t javr an up to date efc and I’m sitting here I’m a 10 degree temperature. I will not be getting it this year after getting it every year
Old bean says
The rules are the rules, whether you agree with them or not. Sentiment does not make good law, or politics.
When budgets are being cut, they will tighten every belt, especially those who will never vote for that particular government in power.
It is in essence simple economics i.e don’t hand out any money unless you have to.
The excuse of “ Had it before” is not an argument for defence. I’ve had the WHD before and am losing out , it is not good for my situation, but I know when not to flog a dead horse.
Unless you can get 100,000 signatures to back a complaint then I’m afraid it’s time to call the glue factory to remove dobbin from the street.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Oh I think it’s worth complaining and writing to your MP, even if you don’t think your MP will be sympathetic and even though this may not get you any more money this year. This is the first year of a new scheme using a totally new approach, until it started no one knew how it would out in practice. So it’s good to make a fuss and point out how unfair and random this is.
Bridget says
Totally agree
Bridget says
Sorry its a new scheme and can ans will be challenged people will die
Bridget says
Please all write to your MP . Don’t just moan about it. Act on it
Mrs Rachel Offley says
I have! Several times now …
Bridget says
I wouldn’t keep doing so if they can’t be bothered to answer but remind them what they are there for!
Louisa says
I’m in the process of writing an email now. For anyone who wants it, the helpline gave me the email address to complain directly to the warm home discount scheme complaints@beis.gov.uk
Sara (Debt Camel) says
that is a general email for the government department. I suggest you include Warm Home Discount in the title of your emil
Louisa says
Ok great thanks for clarifying
Bridget says
Write directly to your MP
Louisa says
I have done Thankyou
jimbob says
I have not received a letter yet with a positive or negative answer. Do we get one. Who decides if we get one the gov or energy provider. How do they decide when they send out letters. Just no definitive answers out there to these questions. Very frustrating
Rachel says
It’s the Govt now ….
Bridget says
You won’t get a letter if you are not recieving it most have had their letters
Old bean says
Bridget. Actually the website states letters will keep coming through until mid January. To state people will not get it, is entirely wrong.
Bridget says
Not entirely wrong at all was told this by WHD themselves this is only if you are NOT getting it
Danny McGuinness says
I am on a low income and disability LCWRA I was in work but lost my job due to a breakdown
I was receiving Benefits on or before August 21 2022 which qualifies me for the Warm Home Discount however the GOV and the DWP are going Solely off your properties Energy Performance certificate when considering awarding you the Warm Home Discount unless of course your on pension credits etc … My certificate allegedly states that my property is RATED C with the potential for a B rating… I live on the Paddock in Preston next to Preston’s college anyone who knows this estate will definetly agree with me!!! my flat is small not insulated and freezing cold I have had to move out of my bedroom into my living area because the bedroom hallway and toilet area along with my kitchen will not maintain or hold any heat whatsoever I have gaps in my front door small cracks in my ceiling and my PVC windows are old and evidently outdated there is a draft all over my flat gas and electricity is expensive along with food etc etc
The government don’t appear to care about this…… They say the WHD has increased by £10 because the tories apparently care about us but in reality a lot more people will lose out than before the rule change
I’m absolutely freezing this flat is no were near a C rating for energy efficiency yet the government don’t care
THEY ARE GOING OFF OUTDATED ENERGY EFFICIENCY INFORMATION ON PROPERTIES THAT WERE CARRIED OUT YEARS AGO!!!
Bridget says
Im in the same position
Danny McGuinness says
I hope you manage to get through this Bridget ❤️
Bridget says
Not sure how but I have written to my MP
Lottie E says
They are not basing it on EPC ratings, they are basing it on age, type and size. The only flats that qualify are huge (138+m²) and/or old (90+m² if built before 1919). Unfortunately there is no nuance for the reality of whether newer buildings are very poorly insulated or difficult to heat for any other reason.
The only time an EPC is possibly relevant is if the Valuation Office Agency don’t hold all three of those data and then they might accept an EPC rating of D or lower, but that’s a very small minority of properties in England and Wales.
Danny McGuinness says
A few flats that are In my area are exactly the same inside and outside I live on a communal Estate ground floor first floor and 2nd floor
There are flats on here that are rated C that still got it and their flats are exactly the same as mine 40 square feet same age property same shape and layout etc same housing Provider
So we did our checks on the properties on gov website certificate had same rating tand the tenants whom I know are under 40 years old and not working
It’s clearly a failed and flawed system
These others properties around me were built in the same year etc have the same heating systems same windows same property layouts yet some got it with the same circumstances as me and some didn’t it’s all wired 🤕
Lou says
My house is almost 90 years old, 71 square feet in size and is apparently a C on the EPC despite having no insulation, old windows, damp, mould, leaky bathroom roof, no radiator in the bathroom and no radiator in the 3rd bedroom (babies room) I have 3 children the youngest aged 12 months old. Husband has cancer so I can only work part time, not a pot to pi$$ in and we won’t get it this year because our house is too small, warm and well insulated apparently. Absolutely laughable.
Danny McGuinness says
I’m sorry to hear of your current situation ❤️
Debbie Oshea says
I have received this before..I have very severe depression. anxiety. Bad back .I have doctors who can back all this up I’m disgusted that the GOVERNMENT have changed the rules it’s not fair on all of us …they DONT CARE they are alright and WARM ..
Danny McGuinness says
I agree with you
They don’t care about your Income Unless your on pension credit etc
You could be on the lowest rate of UC and disabled but if your home has a energy rating of C+ and is a small property you ain’t getting the discount cause we all know a majority are claiming UC rather than legacy benefits
My energy performance rating for energy efficiency of my property assesment was carried out in 2013 and obviously the condition and lack off insulation of my property has significantly deteriorated since the year 2013 but the Tories don’t care because they bankrupted this country and are making us pay for it
At least public services were better under Labour
Lindsey Miles says
I am no longer eligible due to the info on my EPC certificate (some of which is incorrect eg year the house was built). It was done by my housing association before I moved in – how do I challenge the information on it and get Warm Home Discount to reconsider my application? My house is always cold (1930’s built, semi-detached) and leaks heat everywhere.
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Will your HA confirm the information is incorrect?
Bridget says
You can’t challenge it pointless but do write to your MP
M.miller says
I have notification of my WHD but am still waiting to get it. Nice to have it but useless at the start of next spring! If you are successful in gaining it there is no saying it will be paid to you before the 31st March 2023. Mine was always paid in November but they don’t seem to let anybody know even if they have any directions to pay by the DWP.
Bridget says
Many will not get it this year. The vast majority have already had it
jimbob says
Not taking calls at the moment. Too busy
Danny McGuinness says
I guarantee that a lot less were not eligible this year in comparison to the previous years
If my property is small and has a rating of C would this mean that I am paying much less in energy bills just because a piece of paper says my flat is energy efficient
I have a huge hole in my bathroom ceiling with water coming through cracks and gaps everywhere my home doesn’t maintain any heat whatsoever I have severe arthiritis in my left arm/wrist
I’m not bothered about the £150 this is more about principle I speak on behalf of those who are more than likely in a much worse position than myself
When you think deeper into what this government has done to the vulnerable etc it’s disgusting I’m not going to get political as I understand this site doesn’t endorse politics so I apologise in advance just very upset on behalf of those who are really struggling
jimbob says
WHD line will consider decision if you can get council to produce EPC which contradicts the sites information they are using. Said it must be via an EPC not purely individual circumstances
Maureen Kershaw says
I had seen nothing in the media about this change, only that a further 750,000 will get it this winter, but wasn’t aware that 290,000 of us wouldn’t. I made 61 (!) to the WHD helpline last week (not able to answer calls due to high volume) before I got into a queue at 5.10pm on 3rd February. Call answered at 5.45pm and was informed that my property (Housing Assoc.rented) has EPC of C is only 19 yrs and “you shouldn’t need to heat it!”
I wads furious, was informed of the P O address to complain but told it won’t make any difference. No appeals. No claim overturned. I got the £25 x 2 cold weather payments as DWP deem me to be in fuel poverty with my income (well below threshold for Pension Credit) but because of the new rating I no longer qualify, only people on Guaranteed Pension Credit. So much for paying 46 yrs full N.I. stamp and having a frozen pension which pays £14 a week .
Debbie says
I like you have also not received WHD payment this year because my home is cat. C I am disabled and on benefits.. I don’t go out and have to sit with a blanket on me all day ..I have turned my heating down by 2 degrees but have still spent more than £100 this month on gas it’s so unfair……..
jimbob says
I feel for you with a very similar situation. Iwas very disappointed and resigned myself to the situation. So acknowledged the fact i would have to rely on government support scheme. And low and behold BG have not sent that for 2 months and its breaking my heart. Been told over and over wait a few days for the last 8 weeks
jimbob says
Does anybody know if you have to pay for your own EPC in a council property
Bridget Haslam says
No you don’t and don’t bother anyway most of it is done on the size of ypur property and how high your bills are anyway
Sara (Debt Camel) says
Do you have a prepayment meter? Ofgem wants people to complete a short survey (about 10 minutes) so it can see whether the suppliers have been breaking the rules about installing these meters. See https://debtcamel.co.uk/ofgem-prepayment-meter-survey/