How can I apply for the Warm Home Discount?

Hey @Disco21,

@Firedog has already given a really helpful response here.

Just wanted to add- You’ll get your payment by 31st of March at the latest. 

How *Edited by Mod* frustrating. I posted before about not being eligible for the HWD because I didn’t have an EPC.  I was told by the HWD helpline that I needed one and it had to rate D or lower.  Well, I got the council to get one done, and got a D rating.  Happy days I thought, just phoned the helpline again and I’m still not eligible because the rating has changed to F or G. Well, I went ballistic, to get an F or G your property virtually has to have no windows or roof!!!

So basically around 3 to 4 million people on benefits are no longer able to get the HWD because they have double glazing or wall cavity insulation.  Even Dick Turpin never robbed so openly.

Rant over, just so bloody pee’d off. Another day wrapped in my blanket!

Hey @markymate,

That’s such a shame,

The idea was that the Government’s Warm Home Discount (WHD) was meant to reach more people in need this year.

*Taken from the best answer*

• WHD spending is increasing from £350 million to £475 million across all suppliers 

• 780,000 more households will receive the rebate

• 560,000 more fuel poor households will get help 

• The Warm Home discount rebate is increasing from £140 to £150

• 59% of recipients under the new scheme will be fuel poor compared to around 47% of recipients for the current scheme

But clearly some of the rules have changed, have you had the WHD successfully every year prior?

@Emmanuelle_OVO   Sadly, for me and probably many others, that just isn’t the case.  The criteria for eligibility goes quite a bit deeper.  It comes down to how energy efficient your home is and the size of you floor area, yes, that’s correct, your floor area.  I’ve attached a cut out from their WHD eligibility statement of the 4th of November 2022.  I’ve left a link to the whole statement which turns into gobbled gook towards the end for an average bloke like me.

Warm Home Discount: eligibility statement (England and Wales) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

I have qualified for the WHD since it first came in and it has been an absolute lift line for me, but it seems , despite being disabled and on a low income, I have now lost this vital help because my bungalow only has a floor area of 39m².  And that means with their calculation I don’t need to spend much to keep myself warm and fed with a hot meal now and then!!

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me.

Mark

Hey @markymate,

Thanks for sharing that information, it’s really helpful for other Community Members who might be in a similar position.

Really sorry that you didn’t get it, have you applied for the Customer Support Package and the Priority Services Register? There may be some free services or products you’re entitled to.

No problem! Come back to the Forum anytime and we’re happy to help 🙂

Nothing doing with either schemes, sadly. Fortunately my wife managed to pick up a couple decent blankets from a local charity shop which will help us keep a little warmer, I hope.

Kind regards

Mark

When is the warm home discount scheme open this year 

As people are struggling right now and they could do with a!!!

OVO is one of the suppliers participating in this scheme, which provides a £150 discount on your energy bill this winter if you are eligible. However, the eligibility criteria have changed from last winter, and it also depends on where you live whether you have to apply for the discount or whether it’s paid automatically. 

You’ll find the official guide to the scheme here: Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK. The guide includes a tool to check whether you’re eligible if you’re not in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. 

The discount is paid before the end of March, and you have until the end of February to make a fuss if you haven’t had news of it but think you ought to have. Details are all in the guide.

I receive PIP (personal independence payment) and contribution based ESA. Would i qualify for the warm home discount? One of the PIP payments us at the higher level. 

Hey @LSdevon !

Oooohhhhh… Tricky one. Your wish is my command however. I grant thee three wishes with https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-eligible-for-warm-home-discount