As the days draw darker and the central heating beckons, Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has shared a warning to look out for fake letters for the Warm Home Discount.
The scheme is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill, though it can also be used on your gas costs.
You don’t get it as a lump sum in your bank account – your provider automatically takes it off your energy bill, as part of one payment.
The scheme opens in October each year, but as millions prepare to receive their letters, MoneySavingExpert has warned people to be vigilant.
Scammers will inevitably be looking to take advantage in the coming months, so the experts have issued their advice on making sure your letter is legitimate.
What is the Warm Home Discount and how does it work?
The discount is given to a few different groups in England and Wales, including those on a low income, anyone with high energy costs, or anyone in receipt of certain benefits, including Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
You’ll also need to have been the one named on your electricity bill on August 23, 2026, specifically.
In Scotland, you’ll also need to meet the criteria set out by your energy supplier. Either you or your partner will need to have been the one named on your electricity bill (also in August of this year).
If you’re in the broader group (which means you don’t qualify automatically), you’ll need to apply directly through your energy provider.
If you’re thinking about switching, you’ll need to stay put until you’ve received the discount.
How can you tell if your letter is genuine?
The biggest thing is making sure you get a physical letter in the post.
In a new article, MSE reminds us that the Government will only send out hard copies of this, which means if you receive either a text or a call claiming you’re eligible, it can only be one thing: a scam.
While some energy suppliers might also send out texts or emails informing you of the discount, it’s still important to be vigilant. Don’t click on any links, and contact your supplier directly to verify the discount.
It’s best to find the company’s contact details on your bill, to be safe.
Importantly, if your letter tells you you’re automatically eligible, you don’t need to take further action. Ignore any requests to click a link or make a phone call, as this will also be a scam, in MSE’s eyes.
Letters will start rolling out in late October, and continue until January 2027. The discount will be applied to your account by March 31.
MSE says if the Government hasn’t needed to confirm your eligibility with extra checks, you’ll receive your letter in the post without needing to do anything.
Alternatively, you might also receive a letter asking for some extra information, which would flag you as being ‘potentially eligible.’
This will apply if you receive one of the following:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit.
If you’re asked to provide extra information as part of a letter to prove your eligibility, you’ll need to call a Government helpline and give a unique code.
You’ll be given both pieces of information in your letter.
On this occasion, you might be asked to provide the billpayer’s name (which will be either yours or your partner’s), and the account number.
If you’re asked for your bank details, or you’re sent a link to click on, then again, that’s a red flag in MSE’s eyes.
What should you do if you’re scammed?
If you’ve already been scammed, don’t panic. MSE says firstly, end communication with the scammer. You’ll need to do this immediately.
They urge: ‘Don’t be tempted to respond to any further calls, emails or text messages – no matter how urgent they sound.
‘Contact your bank so it can cancel any further payments. Either contact your bank directly or call the 159 hotline (this will connect you with your bank).’
If you’ve lost money to the scam, you can report this to the police. In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can create a police report via Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
Even if you’ve not lost any money, it’s still important to report it. Again, you’ll need to check Report Fraud for extra details, as it depends on how you’ve been scammed – whether by text, email, website, or over the phone.
Who is eligible for the warm home discount? The full list
If you live in England or Wales, you qualify if you:
- Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- Are on a low income (and you’re specifically on income-related Employment and Support Allowance) and have high energy costs
- Are on Housing Benefit
- Are on Universal Credit.
If you live in Scotland, you qualify if you either:
- Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, OR
- Are on a low income in Scotland and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme
- Receive an extra amount of Universal Credit because you or your child has a disability or health condition
- Qualify for the income-related Employment Support Allowance
- Receive a disability premium or pensioner premium, and have a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.
The scheme is not available in Northern Ireland, as here, the Affordable Warmth Scheme is in place instead.
People who live in a park home, also known as a lodge, static home or leisure home, have to apply for the discount through Charsis, an administrator for grants.
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