Hi all,Do we know when the Warm Home Discount application opens this year please? And any details on the changes…..

Updated on 16/10/23by Abby_OVO:The Warm Home Discount (WHD)for 2023-24 is now open.For those inEngland 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 inScotland, 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, youdonotneed to take any action and you’ll receive a letter to notify you of your eligibility.For customers inScotlandwho fall under theBroader Group, youdostill need to apply- you cancheck out this really handy guideon eligibilitycriteria 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 theGovernment Warm Home Discount homepage.If you think you might be eligible but haven’t yet received a letter,you can use the Government’sEligibility Checkerto 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 numbersWHD spending is increasing from £350 million to £475 million across all suppliers780,000 more households will receive the rebate560,000 more fuel poor households will get helpThe Warm Home discount rebate is increasing from £140 to £15059% of recipients under the new scheme will be fuel poor compared to around 47% of recipients for the current schemeThese changes will apply for the next four years.England and WalesIf 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 CreditCore Group 2- for people who get qualifying means-tested benefits or tax creditsThe 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 informationby 28 February 2024to be considered for the discount. We can only apply the discount once we’ve been told to by the Government.Core Group 1To 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 2To 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 you partner receive the following qualifying means-tested benefits or tax credits:Housing BenefitIncome-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)Income SupportThe 'Savings Credit' part of Pension CreditUniversal CreditYou could also qualify if your household income falls below a certain level and you get either:Child Tax CreditWorking Tax CreditYour 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.ScotlandIf 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 GroupTo 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 informationby 28 February 2024to be considered for the discount. We can only apply the discount once we’ve been told to by the Government.Broader GroupEligibility for the discount as part of the Broader groupis 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 supportIf 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/

How can I apply for the Warm Home Discount?

Userlevel 7

+2

Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
2669 replies
1 year ago
17 January 2023

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.

Hopefully the tool @Blastoise186 has linked to will help. I know the PIP doesn't help, both my brothers now get the full PIP for very different reasons but don't get the current warm home discount.

L

LSdevon
Carbon Cutter*****
10 replies
1 year ago
17 January 2023

Many thanks Blastoise186 and Jeffus. I've followed the link that Blastoise186 sent me and nope i don't qualify anymore even though I'm on PIP, plus I'm on the wrong ESA, typical! Thanks so much tho for the advice and the link! Very much appreciated.

Userlevel 7

+2

Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
2669 replies
1 year ago
17 January 2023

Many thanks Blastoise186 and Jeffus. I've followed the link that Blastoise186 sent me and nope i don't qualify anymore even though I'm on PIP, plus I'm on the wrong ESA, typical! Thanks so much tho for the advice and the link! Very much appreciated.

PIP use to be sufficient but the rules changed in this period. Now the warm home discount is very much means tested in terms of income.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-excluded-warm-homes-discount-24703316

L

LSdevon
Carbon Cutter*****
10 replies
1 year ago
17 January 2023

So frustrating now it's changed. I used to get it before with PIP and had heard that it might have changed. Thanks to both of you for the info.

Userlevel 7

+2

Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
2669 replies
1 year ago
17 January 2023

So frustrating now it's changed. I used to get it before with PIP and had heard that it might have changed. Thanks to both of you for the info.

Be careful with your budgeting as the Energy Price Guarantee goes up circa 20% on 1st April and the £66/£67 a month everyone has been getting automatically also stops at the same time.

Hopefully energy costs will start to drop from 1st July, perhaps sooner if some suppliers feel they can reintroduce fixed deals again or can offer rates below the Energy Price Guarantee

L

LSdevon
Carbon Cutter*****
10 replies
1 year ago
17 January 2023

Oh hell, thanks for the warning! My house is so cold already and i feel the cold terribly and especially with not being that mobile.

Userlevel 7

+1

Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
6494 replies
1 year ago
18 January 2023

Yeah I hate it as well. I’m on ESA/PIP myself and I don’t qualify because my flat is too small and too efficient. If it had been four times the size though… Then I would have qualified

Userlevel 7

Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
2164 replies
1 year ago
18 January 2023

Hey @LSdevon,

Really sorry to hear you haven’t qualified this year.

We do have some other support available for customers who may be struggling with their bills:

Customer support package and where to apply.

Warm Home Discount

What to do if I can’t afford my energy bills?

Energy Bills Support Scheme

If you haven’t already I’d advise getting added to our Priority Services Register.

Hope this helps.

Userlevel 7

+2

Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
2669 replies
1 year ago
18 January 2023

It might also be worth enquiring locally.

The government has given local authorities money to give out at their own discretion.

It varies widely how this is done.

In my mums case she was given some vouchers at a local community centre coffee morning by a council official with no means tested questions.

It may be very different in your area of course.

Userlevel 7

+2

Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
2669 replies
1 year ago
24 January 2023

@LSdevon

Are you on one of the social tariff for your broadband? Your PIP will give you access to some of the providers social tariff. For example Vodafone.

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/broadband/essentials-broadband

The eligibility criteria varies by provider, not all do a social tariff for a PIP. Some suppliers social tariff are only available for those on means tested benefits (e.g. Virgin)

This may save you a bit depending on your current deal.

Do you have a Water Meter? My mum just got one installed and has saved £200 a year....

Userlevel 7

+1

Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
6494 replies
1 year ago
24 January 2023

Entering Digital Champion Mode

You might also benefit from the National Databank and other services run by the Good Things Foundation. There’s more info at https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/ about all of those.

I’m saying this as a Digital Champion volunteer because it might benefit you.

H

Hmass
New Member*
1 reply
1 year ago
26 February 2023

I realise that this subject is a month old, but for those migrated from SSE please do check your October statement my WHD appears on there.

So I actually received it before the move.

Hope that helps

How can I apply for the Warm Home Discount?

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