Updated on 16/10/2023 by Abby_OVO
The Warm Home Discount (WHD) for 2023-24 is now open.
For those in England and Wales, eligible customers will receive a letter from the Government confirming if they are eligible, and don’t need to do anything to apply.
For those in Scotland, the Core Group remains unchanged and applies to those who were in receipt of the Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit on 13 August 2023. If you fall under this category, you do not need to take any action and you’ll receive a letter to notify you of your eligibility.
For customers in Scotland who fall under the Broader Group, you do still need to apply - you can check out this really handy guide on eligibility criteria for the Broader Group in Scotland, as well as the homepage for the Broader group from the Government: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/low-income-scotland.
For more information, you can check out the Government Warm Home Discount homepage.
If you think you might be eligible but haven’t yet received a letter, you can use the Government’s Eligibility Checker to find out if you could qualify. (Letters are being sent out right up until early January 2024, as per the WHD webpage, so if you don’t have it just yet, don’t worry).
What is the Warm Home Discount (WHD)?
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount given to eligible domestic electricity customers to help with their energy costs. It's usually paid between October and March of each scheme year. It's a Government scheme funded by participating energy suppliers like us. It’s designed to help people who need it most.
Key changes in numbers
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WHD spending is increasing from £350 million to £475 million across all suppliers
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780,000 more households will receive the rebate
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560,000 more fuel poor households will get help
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The Warm Home discount rebate is increasing from £140 to £150
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59% of recipients under the new scheme will be fuel poor compared to around 47% of recipients for the current scheme
These changes will apply for the next four years.
England and Wales
If you live in England or Wales you don’t need to apply for the Warm Home Discount but you will need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the Government. This is split into two Core Groups:
- Core Group 1 - for people who get Guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Core Group 2 - for people who get qualifying means-tested benefits or tax credits
The eligibility qualifying date for both groups is 13 August 2023. The Government will write to benefit claimants between October and December 2023.
What do I do if I don't get a letter?
In some cases the Government will write to you to request more information. It's important you give them this information by 28 February 2024 to be considered for the discount. We can only apply the discount once we’ve been told to by the Government.
Core Group 1
To be considered for the discount:
- You or you partner were named on the domestic electricity bill on 13 August 2023.
- You were supplied by part of the OVO Family on the 13th August. If you were supplied by another supplier participating in the scheme on the 13th August, that supplier will be told to give you the discount even if we're now supplying you.
- You or your partner got the Guaranteed element of Pension Credit on the qualifying date.
Core Group 2
To be considered for the discount:
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You or you partner were named on the domestic electricity bill on 13 August 2023.
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You were supplied by part of the OVO Family on the 13th August. If you were supplied by another supplier participating in the scheme on the 13th August, that supplier will be told to give you the discount even if we're now supplying you.
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You or you partner receive the following qualifying means-tested benefits or tax credits:
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Housing Benefit
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income Support
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The 'Savings Credit' part of Pension Credit
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Universal Credit
You could also qualify if your household income falls below a certain level and you get either:
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Child Tax Credit
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Working Tax Credit
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Your property has a high energy cost score. This is partly based on details of your property like its type, how old it is, and the overall floor size etc. The Department for Works & Pensions (DWP) will work with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to work out your property energy score. The Government will write to you if they need more information.
Please note that OVO’s Support team aren’t in a position to advise you on your benefits or warm home discount eligibility. If you’re not sure of any of the details above, Citizens Advice are well place to offer help and support.
Scotland
If you live in Scotland, there are two groups:
- Core group - you won't need to apply, but you must meet eligibility criteria.
- Broader group - you'll need to apply for the discount which will be applied on a first come, first served basis.
Core Group
To be considered for the discount:
- You or you partner were named on the domestic electricity bill on 13 August 2023.
- You were supplied by part of the OVO Family on the 13th August. If you were supplied by another supplier participating in the scheme on the 13th August, that supplier will be told to give you the discount even if we're now supplying you.
- You or your partner got the Guaranteed element of Pension Credit on the qualifying date.
The eligibility qualifying date is 13 August 2023. The Government will write to benefit claimants between October and December 2023.
What do I do if I don't get a letter?
In some cases the Government will write to you to request more information. It's important you give them this information by 28 February 2024 to be considered for the discount. We can only apply the discount once we’ve been told to by the Government.
Broader Group
Eligibility for the discount as part of the Broader group is on a first come first served basis. You can apply if you if you live in Scotland and don’t meet the Core Group eligibility.
Apply online (Scottish Broader Group)
You can also check out our own dedicated webpage with all of the most up to date information on the Warm Home Discount: https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/warm-home-discount-scheme.
Ways to get financial support
If you’re struggling financially or you’re worried about your energy bills, we’re here to support you. Find out about the different ways we can help here.
How do I register for the Priority Services Register (PSR)?
Check out our Customer Support Package here: https://winter-support-package.ovoenergy.com/
