We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Scottish Power Disability Benefits tariff?

I read an article in the paper today in the form of a reader's letter, saying that Scottish Power placed her on a lower tariff when they were made aware that her husband was on disability benefits.

I checked Scottish Power's website and can't find any reference to this. Has anyone heard of this lower tarrif when a householder is on disability benefits?
«13

Comments

  • Indie_Kid
    Indie_Kid Posts: 23,097 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The only one I could find online, you can only get if you're 60 plus and are on certain benefits.
    Sealed pot challenge #232. Gold stars from Sue-UU - :staradmin :staradmin £75.29 banked
    50p saver #40 £20 banked
    Virtual sealed pot #178 £80.25
  • andyandflo
    andyandflo Posts: 791 Forumite
    zaksmum wrote: »
    I read an article in the paper today in the form of a reader's letter, saying that Scottish Power placed her on a lower tariff when they were made aware that her husband was on disability benefits.

    I checked Scottish Power's website and can't find any reference to this. Has anyone heard of this lower tarrif when a householder is on disability benefits?

    This was something that they came up with in March this year. The following is an extract from the press release:

    Press Releases
    11 March 2010
    ScottishPower today announced reductions in its gas prices for around 1.6 million domestic gas customers and a new winter rebate for vulnerable customers who heat their homes with electricity.
    In addition to the gas price cuts, ScottishPower has also announced support for those vulnerable customers who heat their homes with electricity through a new £50 winter rebate**. Under this program 60,000 vulnerable customers will receive a £50 rebate by the end of March 2010 to help with the cost of their winter fuel bills. This package is in addition to the existing Fresh Start social tariff scheme, which already helps around 80,000 customers over 60 and in receipt of qualifying state benefits with savings of up to £382 per year. ScottishPower also remains the only UK supplier to set standard prepayment prices significantly below standard cash rates for both gas and electricity.
  • nannytone_2
    nannytone_2 Posts: 13,004 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    i am with scottish power, on the 2011 capped tariff. it says that if prices go lower, my bill will get lower, but if prices increase, then my tarrif stays the same. i'd be really interested to know if i coukld be on a lower tariff than i am already.

    i think the websites deliberately make theses things hard to find!
  • birdgirl_2
    birdgirl_2 Posts: 7 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    edited 7 October 2010 at 12:35AM
    zaksmum wrote: »
    I read an article in the paper today in the form of a reader's letter, saying that Scottish Power placed her on a lower tariff when they were made aware that her husband was on disability benefits.

    I checked Scottish Power's website and can't find any reference to this. Has anyone heard of this lower tarrif when a householder is on disability benefits?
    i had been on this for last two years you get 20% discount lasts for two years, they cancelled it and tried to put me on higher tariff, so, i left to new company.on 0800 300 111. this is their freephone for applicants , if you on benefits or disabled or spend 10% of your income on energy , can't remember exactly . give a ring cannot hurt . good luck
  • saintscouple
    saintscouple Posts: 4,311 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    i'm on benefits and with british gas on their 'essentials' tariff, which is exclusivley for with low incomes and on benefits.
    i only have a electricity supply and am on a key meter.
    they say that this special tariff is 19% cheaper than their cheapest online tariff, and they also gave me a usb dongle so that i can top up my key from the pc.
    The essentials tariff is easy to find on their website.
    Could be worth looking to see if it applies to you and switch energy suppliers?
  • zaksmum
    zaksmum Posts: 5,529 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks for that information. I still can't find it on their website though.

    We're with Scottish Power for electricity only, and receive disability benefits.

    Can anyone tell me whereabouts on the website this lower tarrif information is?

    Thanks
  • Scottish_Power
    Scottish_Power Posts: 1,263 Organisation Representative
    Hi zaksmum

    Have a look at the link below to see if you qualify for our carefree register. If you do then I would suggest contacting us to check availability for a more suitable tariff:

    http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/service-and-standards/carefree.aspx

    Kind Regards

    Colin @ ScottishPower
    Official Company Representative
    I am the official company representative of Scottish Power. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to queries about the company, so that I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. I am not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I am please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
  • I'd definitely be interested in a lower tariff and I'm already with Scottish Power for both gas and electricity - I'll give them a ring to see if I qualify. I have a disabled child, and I'm on income support, but so far SP have said that there is no extra help or any social tariff available.
  • Scottish_Power
    Scottish_Power Posts: 1,263 Organisation Representative
    Hi Kingfisherblue

    I believe that you will need to meet all the necessary criteria which also includes being over 60 years old. If you do meet all the criteria then deninately give us a call to see what we can do for you.

    Kind Regards

    Colin @ ScottishPower
    Official Company Representative
    I am the official company representative of Scottish Power. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to queries about the company, so that I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. I am not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I am please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
  • dmg24
    dmg24 Posts: 33,920 Forumite
    10,000 Posts
    Hi Kingfisherblue

    I believe that you will need to meet all the necessary criteria which also includes being over 60 years old. If you do meet all the criteria then deninately give us a call to see what we can do for you.

    Kind Regards

    Colin @ ScottishPower

    All the criteria? Does anyone actually qualify? :rotfl:

    The register is set up for anyone in your household who:
    • Has a disability
    • Has a chronic illness
    • Is over 60
    • Is blind or partially sighted
    • Is deaf or hard of hearing
    • Has another type of special need
    Gone ... or have I?
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.7K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.4K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 601.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.6K Life & Family
  • 259.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.