If you’re on a standard variable energy tariff, British Gas may offer you the Warm Home Discount as a winter fuel payment. This discount is offered to individuals living in the United Kingdom and includes access to British Gas’ Winter Fuel Payment calculator.
£140 support payments can be applied directly to your electricity bill if you qualify. These aren’t paid directly to you; rather, suppliers use them as a discount in between October and March for energy consumers.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a government initiative to assist vulnerable households pay their energy bills during wintertime. It provides an annual £140 support payment of around £270 to people in England, Scotland and Wales.
The UK government has implemented the Warm Home Discount to assist those struggling to pay their energy bills. British Gas is proud to be one of the few suppliers who participates in this initiative.
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount depends on whether you receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. There are two categories of customers eligible: those in the ‘core group’ who will automatically get discounted prices; and those in the ‘broader group’, who must apply individually.
Pension Credit customers eligible for the Warm Home Discount will be notified by the Department for Work and Pensions by mid-December, with payments usually being made in January or March. If you think that you qualify, contact your energy supplier to learn how you can apply.
How do I apply for the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £140 support payment available to certain customers across England, Scotland and Wales during the winter period. It helps reduce energy costs for those struggling to make ends meet financially during this time.
Government-backed scheme that helps lower your bills if you’re on a low income, receiving certain means-tested benefits and at risk of fuel poverty.
If you fall within one of the core groups, you’ll receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions in autumn notifying you that you are eligible to receive the discount automatically.
If you qualify, British Gas offers discounts that can be applied directly. However, if the qualifying criteria has changed since your original application, reapplying may be necessary.
Alternatively, you can use our interactive tool to determine your eligibility for the Warm Home Discount and other cost of living financial relief measures available in your area.
How will I receive my Warm Home Discount?
Your money will be added to your electricity bill as credit, not paid directly to you. Typically, this credit is credited between October and April.
The discount is only available to people eligible in England & Wales. This group, previously referred to as the ‘core group’, includes those who receive Guarantee Credit as part of Pension Credit (even if they additionally receive Savings Credit).
Customers with prepayment or pay-as-you-go meters may also qualify. If not, ask your energy supplier how they will apply the discount to your bill.
Formerly referred to as the ‘broader group,’ this subset includes those who do not fall within Core Group 1. They may still qualify if they receive certain income-based benefits and their energy supplier approves them for a discount.
What is the British Gas Energy Trust?
The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable organisation that assists people in the United Kingdom with their gas and electricity debts. They provide grants of up to £1,500 for people to clear residential energy arrears.
British Gas customers as well as customers of other energy suppliers such as Scottish Power and Ovo Energy may apply for this grant. To be eligible, you must have a debt up to £250 on an active energy account and be in or facing fuel poverty.
For further details, you can explore the Trust’s website or reach out to its helpline.
Support can also be obtained from organizations funded by the British Gas Energy Trust at in-person community pop-ups at Post Offices across England, Scotland and Wales. Trained advisors will be available to assist with managing money and energy bills.
