Deductions from ESA for utilities

Hi cats6,

Hopefully the following information will help assist you.

If you receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and are struggling with energy bills, you might be eligible for help, including the Warm Home Discount and potentially deductions from your ESA payments to cover energy debts, but only with your consent.
Here's a breakdown of how ESA and energy support work:
1. ESA and Energy Support:

Income-related ESA:
If you receive income-related ESA, you may be eligible for various forms of support with energy bills, such as the Warm Home Discount.

Warm Home Discount:
This scheme provides a discount of £150 on your electricity bill or prepayment meter credit, automatically applied if you're eligible.
Other Energy Support:
You might also be eligible for other forms of help, such as energy-saving improvement schemes or home energy support payments.
Deductions from ESA:
In some cases, deductions may be made from your ESA payments to cover energy debts, but only with your consent.

2. Eligibility for Support:

Warm Home Discount:
To be eligible for the Warm Home Discount, you must be receiving certain benefits, including income-related ESA.

Winter Fuel Payment:
If you were born before 23 September 1958 and receive ESA, you may also be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment.
Cold Weather Payment:
If you receive certain benefits, including ESA, you may also be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment if the average temperature in your area is 0 degrees Celsius or below for 7 days in a row.

3. How to Claim and Get Help:

Warm Home Discount:
You don't need to apply for the Warm Home Discount - it's automatic if you're eligible.

Other Support:
Check with your energy supplier or local council to see what other forms of support are available in your area.
Contact DWP:
If you have any questions about your ESA payments or deductions, contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Contact Citizens Advice:
Citizens Advice can provide advice and support if you are having problems with your ESA or energy bills

Chris.

Hi cats,

All I can find is this - www.gov.uk/bills-benefits

Unfortunately, my level of knowledge doesn't include ESA - so if this isn't what you're looking for, then one of the other mods will be on hopefully Monday afternoon, who can help with this query.

Chris.