Help with heating costs – new Government scheme

Millions can bag a winter warmer with new Government scheme

IF you are worried about paying this winter’s heating bills then check if you are eligible for the Government funded warm home discount scheme which could knock £140 from your fuel bill.

Pensioners who claim the means-tested guarantee credit element of pension credit – a state top-up for older people on low incomes – should receive the payment automatically.

Younger people may also qualify if their household income is below £16,190 per year, if they claim income support or jobseeker’s allowance or have a chronic illness or disability.

The money is paid as a one-off discount on your electricity bill but only if your utility firm is part of the scheme. The Big Six – British Gas, E.On, Npower, EDF Energy, ScottishPower and SSE – are all on board as are many small companies.

Check if your supplier has signed up by visiting Gov.uk/the-warm-homediscount-scheme and if it isn’t, consider switching.

Ed Kamm at First Utility said the scheme is a valuable winter warmer. “There are lots of reasons someone might qualify, so it is important to check if you are eligible.”

If you believe you are but don’t receive a letter telling you how to claim by December 24 then call 0345 603 9439.

Claiming won’t affect your entitlement to either the cold weather payment or the winter fuel payment

Source: Daily Express Online – Gov.uk
See also: Winter Fuel Payment

“Make sure you don’t miss out this winter”