Thousands of people have been issued a one-week warning to claim £150 towards their energy bills this winter. Around 850,000 people could miss out on the Warm Home Discount if they don’t act soon.
People have until Friday, October 13 to make a claim to be within the qualifying period for the £150 payment. Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director at Age UK, said: “Sadly we know energy prices will stay high this winter so it’s never been more important to check whether you can claim some extra help, so you have enough money to keep warm when it gets really cold.
“The Government has put extra money aside for older people who are struggling to make ends meet, enough to make a real difference, but to get it you have to claim Pension Credit – and well over half a million pensioners are missing out just because they haven’t claimed it.
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“Every penny counts so we urge any older person who is feeling the pinch to contact Age UK for advice and a free benefits check. A successful claim for Pension Credit would top up your weekly income, giving you the confidence to keep the heating on during the colder months ahead.”
However, if your electricity supplier is already part of the Warm Home Discount scheme then you should get the payment automatically. That is if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit. The eligibility criteria changed for the Warm Home Discount last winter, Age UK said, reports Birmingham Live.
How to qualify for Warm Home Discount
You or your partner must have an account with a participating electricity supplier, and one of you must claim one of the following: the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit or a different ‘qualifying benefit’ (if you have high energy costs). The qualifying benefits include the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.
