Hundreds of thousands of households across Scotland could receive £150 towards their energy bills this winter, but people who qualify are being urged to make one important check before 23 August.
Around 345,000 Scottish households are expected to receive the Warm Home Discount automatically this year following changes to the scheme, an increase of around 250,000 households.
To receive the payment automatically, however, the person receiving an eligible benefit must also be named on the household’s electricity bill when suppliers check their customer records on Sunday 23 August.
That could be particularly important for people who have recently moved home or whose electricity account remains registered in somebody else’s name.
People using prepayment meters topped up with a key or card should also make sure the household energy account is registered in their name.
Automatic eligibility includes households where the person named on the electricity bill receives Pension Credit.
It can also include people receiving Universal Credit, income related Employment and Support Allowance or Support for Mortgage Interest where the household meets additional criteria, including having very young children, someone with a disability or somebody with a health related limitation on their ability to work.
Thousands of other consumers could potentially qualify for support by applying through their energy supplier.
Around six million households across Britain are now eligible for the Warm Home Discount, with changes introduced earlier this year making it easier for substantially more Scottish households to receive the support automatically.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:
“Families will be worried about their energy bills this winter and our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills.
“More households are eligible to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount automatically this year, after we made it easier for people in Scotland to get the support they need.
“If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill.”
The additional support comes ahead of VAT being removed from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, a change the government says will reduce the annual Ofgem price cap by around £45.
For households who may qualify for the Warm Home Discount, however, the immediate message is considerably simpler.
Check the name on the electricity account before 23 August, particularly if circumstances have recently changed, because doing so could be worth £150 when winter arrives.
