THOUSANDS of energy customers in the UK could miss out on £150 in energy bill help this winter if they don't act soon. The help is provided directly by energy suppliers through the Warm Home Discount.
Qualification and eligibility
To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or a different qualifying means-tested benefit like Universal Credit. If you weren't claiming any of these benefits on August 13, 2023, you won't be eligible for the payment.
It's worth noting that if you live in a more energy-efficient property, you may not be considered eligible for the Warm Home Discount, even if you receive a qualifying benefit. However, this rule doesn't apply to recipients of the guarantee credit portion of Pension Credit.
Around 850,000 pensioners are eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it. By not claiming it, they not only miss out on potential yearly benefits but also the £150 Warm Home Discount payment.
Backdating claims and deadline
Even if you weren't receiving Pension Credit on the qualifying date on August 13, there's a trick you can follow to later ensure that you get the extra cash. Your eligibility for certain benefits can be backdated. For example, successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months.
To be in the qualifying period for the Warm Home Discount, you'll need to make a claim by Friday, October 13. Once your eligibility is confirmed, energy providers will apply the £150 discount directly to your bill between now and the end of March 2024.
Importance of claiming Pension Credit
Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director at Age UK, said: "Sadly we know energy prices will stay high this winter so it's never been more important to check whether you can claim some extra help, so you have enough money to keep warm when it gets really cold. The Government has put extra money aside for older people who are struggling to make ends meet, enough to make a real difference, but to get it you have to claim Pension Credit – and well over half a million pensioners are missing out just because they haven't claimed it. Every penny counts so we urge any older person who is feeling the pinch to contact Age UK for advice and a free benefits check. A successful claim for Pension Credit would top up your weekly income, giving you the confidence to keep the heating on during the colder months ahead."
Eligibility for Pension Credit
Pension Credit is available for people who are over the state pension age, and who live in England, Scotland, or Wales. It is currently rising to 66 for both men and women.
Couples where one person was over the state pension age used to be able to claim, but new rules mean that both people in a couple must be over retirement age to apply. This means if you're single and move in with a partner who is younger than the state pension age, you will stop being eligible. However, if you're already receiving Pension Credit under the old system, it won't stop unless your circumstances change.
To qualify, you'll need to have a weekly income of less than £201.05 for single people or £306.85 for couples.
How to apply and payment details
You can start your application for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach state pension age. Applications can be made on the government website or by calling the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. You can also have a friend or family member make the call on your behalf, but you'll need to be present.
When applying, you'll need your National Insurance number and information about your income, savings, and investments. If you claim after reaching pension age, you can backdate your claim for up to three months.
Your benefits are usually paid every four weeks into an account. You'll need to provide your bank, building society, or credit union account details when you claim. If you have difficulties opening or managing an account, alternative methods may be available.
