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Who can get this discount in 2012/2013

Pension Credit customers who are automatically considered for the discount

You may qualify for this £130 energy discount if on 21 July 2023 (the qualifying date) you are either:

• aged under 80 and receiving only the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (no Savings Credit)
• aged 80 or over and were receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well)

And all of the following apply:

• your name, your partner’s name or your appointee's name is on your electricity bill
• you get your electricity from one of the energy suppliers participating in this scheme – see ‘Energy suppliers participating in this scheme’ below

If you meet the conditions above you do not need to do anything now to get your discount in 2012/2013.

If you don't qualify for the discount above, you may be eligible for other elements of the Warm Home Discount Scheme. See 'Can other people get a Warm Home Discount' below.

What you need to do

The government will write to all those potentially eligible for the discount in winter 2012/2013, telling you if you need to take further action. If you get a letter asking you to call the helpline to confirm if you can get the discount, you must call before 13 March 2013. If you do not call you will not be able to get the discount.

How much you can get

If you qualify you’ll receive £130 towards your electricity bill in winter 2012/2013.

When you’ll get your discount

Energy discounts for 2012/2013 will be made during the winter months. If you qualify you’ll get a letter to confirm this. If you think you’re eligible but haven’t got a letter about the scheme by February 2013 call the Warm Home Discount Scheme Helpline. Call 0845 603 9439 (Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm).

How the Warm Home Discount Scheme works

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and participating electricity suppliers will share some limited information about their customers. This allows participating electricity suppliers to give the energy discount automatically to customers who qualify.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme runs for four years from winter 2011/2012.

Discounts will be paid and funded by participating electricity suppliers.

Energy suppliers participating in the scheme

The electricity suppliers involved in this scheme are: Atlantic, British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, Equipower, Equigas, Manweb, M&S Energy, npower, Sainsbury's Energy, Scottish Gas, Scottish Hydro, ScottishPower, Southern Electric, SSE, Swalec and Utility Warehouse.

Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment

Discounts paid under the Warm Home Discount Scheme will not affect any Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment you may receive.

Further help

You do not need to call now to get your discount.

If you have a general query regarding the scheme call the Warm Home Discount Scheme Help Line. Call 0845 603 9439 (Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm).

Can other people get a Warm Home Discount?

Energy suppliers may also give a £130 discount to some other customers in vulnerable groups (called the broader group). Each electricity supplier has different eligibility criteria they will use to decide who may get the discount. See ‘Financial support from energy suppliers’ to find out more.

• Financial support from energy suppliers Opens new window

More useful links

• Staying warm in winter (home and community section)

• Help with heating your home (home and community section)

Useful contacts

• Veterans contacts

• Retirement contacts

• Financial advice and support contacts

• Over 50s contacts