Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, offers guidance on a wide range of financial issues, and this week was no different as he took to his Money Show on ITV. An issue of concern recently has been the Warm Home Discount as a number of energy providers have ceased trading. The Warm Home Discount offers eligible Britons £140 off their electricity bill for winter 2021/22 in the form of a one-off discount – so it is easy to understand why it is so important to many.
Martin offered his key tip, saying action will need to be taken to ensure people do not miss out.
He explained: “As for the Warm Home Discount, yes, you will need to apply at the new supplier for it again.
“Eligibility criteria can vary, but as long as it is a big enough firm you should get it.”
Those who are on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, Martin confirmed, will be able to get the Warm Home Discount regardless of their circumstances with a supplier.
Their energy supplier, though, must be a part of the scheme, which is a key consideration for those who are being moved onto a different provider.
Martin said there may be a level of uncertainty when it comes to securing the payment in this circumstance for those whose energy supplier has folded.
He added: “The criteria of what counts as lower income does vary firm by firm so you might have qualified before, and you might not now.
“My fingers are crossed that you will, though, definitely go and apply to them as soon as you possibly can.”
For the low income group, the electricity supplier has discounts available – but these are limited in number.
As Martin emphasised, the Government encourages individuals to check with their supplier as early as possible to see if they are eligible and how they can apply.
The supplier will apply the discount to a person’s bill by March 31, 2022.
