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Advice on winter fuel discount
- QWERTY
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4 years 3 months ago #254610 by QWERTY
Advice on winter fuel discount was created by QWERTY
Hi,
The utility company that is my energy supplier is part of a scheme to help eligible benefit recipients with their winter fuel bill. (Receiving IR ESA / PIP).
Haven't applied for this before, but would be very helpful as heating etc. on a lot due to health..
Assistance is given directly to customer account as credit for winter fuel bill, not into bank account. The online application form states that the utility company shares applicants info with DWP and a related company.. Also, the dwp and related company may contact regarding the application..
Can you advise if applying / receiving this would affect benefit situation?
Also, would dwp / related company contact by phone / letter?
What info I would need to have ready if dwp / related company contact?
Thanks for any help..
The utility company that is my energy supplier is part of a scheme to help eligible benefit recipients with their winter fuel bill. (Receiving IR ESA / PIP).
Haven't applied for this before, but would be very helpful as heating etc. on a lot due to health..
Assistance is given directly to customer account as credit for winter fuel bill, not into bank account. The online application form states that the utility company shares applicants info with DWP and a related company.. Also, the dwp and related company may contact regarding the application..
Can you advise if applying / receiving this would affect benefit situation?
Also, would dwp / related company contact by phone / letter?
What info I would need to have ready if dwp / related company contact?
Thanks for any help..
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- Gary
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4 years 3 months ago #254622 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Advice on winter fuel discount
Hi QWERTY
You have to be careful when you talk about 'Winter fuel' bills. There are two schemes to help claimants with their fuel payments during winter.
1) Winter fuel payments: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
If you were born on or before 5 October 1954 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills, this is paid by the Government via your benefits.
2) Warm home discount scheme: www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
There are 2 ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:
1) you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’
2) you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’
How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHD) depends on how you qualify for the discount. You usually have to apply yearly for this scheme usually around August time on a first come first served basis, as the utility companies only have a certain pot of money for the scheme and once it is used up, the scheme will close until the following year.
The only information you need is that you have to be a customer of the utility company and usually in receipt of a means tested benefit such as IR ESA, PC, IS. If you receive WHD it will not affect any of your benefits.
The utility companies need to know that someone who states that they are in receipt of a means tested benefit are actually receiving it, so basic information is shared.
Gary
You have to be careful when you talk about 'Winter fuel' bills. There are two schemes to help claimants with their fuel payments during winter.
1) Winter fuel payments: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
If you were born on or before 5 October 1954 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills, this is paid by the Government via your benefits.
2) Warm home discount scheme: www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
There are 2 ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:
1) you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’
2) you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’
How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHD) depends on how you qualify for the discount. You usually have to apply yearly for this scheme usually around August time on a first come first served basis, as the utility companies only have a certain pot of money for the scheme and once it is used up, the scheme will close until the following year.
The only information you need is that you have to be a customer of the utility company and usually in receipt of a means tested benefit such as IR ESA, PC, IS. If you receive WHD it will not affect any of your benefits.
The utility companies need to know that someone who states that they are in receipt of a means tested benefit are actually receiving it, so basic information is shared.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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