Pensioners being sent DWP letter in post over £150 cost of living payments
Low-income state pensioners may soon receive letters confirming an extra payment to support their cost of living - but only those who are eligible will receive the payment.
Energy companies are set to apply the Warm Home Discount to over six million qualifying households, including those on the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit and Universal Credit recipients.
The discount, which reduces energy bills by a one-off £150 during the winter months, typically applies between November and March, enabling low-income households to make significant savings on energy costs. In other news, Martin Lewis warns 'nothing to do with me' after complaints from money savers.
DWP Universal Credit eligibility rules in full as one million more people now claim
British Gas recently informed customers that the Government would be writing to eligible individuals to explain the process, reports Birmingham Live.
They stated: "If you qualify for the winter 2025/26 payment, you will have your one-off £150 discount applied between November 2025-March 31, 2026 at the latest, with most customers receiving their WHD before January 26."
"The Government website has specific details about which benefits qualify and who could receive the discount. In England and Wales the Government will write to you to confirm if you are eligible," it continued.
READ MORE: Millions urged to check name on energy bill before deadline to get £150
This year, the discount is being expanded to assist around three million more homes on Universal Credit and certain other benefits. British Gas added: "The discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit. And if you're on pay as you go, we'll send you a voucher you can use to top up your meter at a Post Office."
"If you're one of our Pay As You Go smart meter customers, we'll even send it directly to your meter as a credit and send you an email to let you know it's on there."
Who is eligible?
If you live in England and Wales:
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
If you are on a low income and have high energy costs
If you live in Scotland:
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
If you are on a low income in Scotland and meet your energy supplier's criteria for the scheme
Unfortunately, the Warm Home Discount scheme isn't available in Northern Ireland. For other alternatives, click here to find out about the Affordable Warmth scheme.
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