A MAJOR energy supplier with 5.2million customers will be making one-off automatic £150 payments to thousands of households.
EDF is giving struggling customers extra cash to help with rising energy bills this winter.
The help comes in the form of the Warm Home discount, a one-off deduction on energy bills which is usually applied automatically.
Those eligible can expect to receive the top-up between October 2023 and March 2024.
To qualify you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or a different qualifying means-tested benefit, including:
- Income support
- Income based jobseeker's allowance
- Income related employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
- Pension Credit savings credit
You must have claimed any of the above on August 13, 2023, to be eligible.
If you live in a more energy-efficient property that may disqualify you from eligibility even if you receive a qualifying benefit.
The "big six" suppliers are all taking part in the scheme this year, including British Gas, Octopus Energy and E.ON.
Several smaller firms are also taking part including So Energy and Utility Warehouse.
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Adam Scorer, chief executive of fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), previously referred to the Warm Home Discount as a "lifeline".
The average family on a duel-fuel energy tariff paying by direct debit is now forking out £1,834 for their yearly bills under the current Ofgem price cap.
Do I need to apply for the discount?
There are three elements to the rebate scheme:
- Core Group 1 – These are eligible customers in receipt of Guarantee Pension Credit will be identified by the DWP and should receive the rebate automatically.
- Core Group 2 – Eligible customers in England or Wales who will also be identified by the DWP and should receive the rebate automatically.
- Scotland Broader Group – These customers will need to apply through their supplier.
How will I receive the discount from EDF?
EDF say they expect to apply all discounts by the end of March 2024 but you should receive a letter beforehand telling you that you qualify.
As with other energy providers, EDF is applying the discount as credit if you pay via direct debit or on receipt of bills.
Once this has been applied, it will show on your next bill.
If you're a prepayment customer, you'll receive a voucher in the post and instructions on redeeming it.
You will only be able to redeem the voucher at the Post Office.
If you're a smart Pay As You Go customer, the rebate will be credited directly to your electricity meter.
You'll receive confirmation that this has been completed and will be able to view this in your online account.
Other energy bill help you can get if you're not eligible for this scheme
If you are not eligible for this scheme you may still be able to get additional support.
Thousands of households will receive a Winter Fuel Payment in November and December.
Most people who are eligible get it automatically like if you receive state pension.
In most cases, you don't have to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, but you will need to if you haven't received it before.
The Cold Weather Payment is also paid to eligible people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You get £25 for each seven-day period where temperatures are zero degrees Celsius or below between November 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened the Individual and Families Fund for those struggling with energy debt.
Many councils are also providing cost-of-living payments to those struggling through the Household Support fund.
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Have a look on your local council's website to see if you are eligible.
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
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