Warm Home Scheme

James01

My parents have been advised that this year they qualify for £130 on their British Gas electricity account under the warm home scheme. I had never heard of this scheme so I looked it up and saw that it actually came out last winter. I was wondering why they didn't qualify last year as they are well over 70 and their circumstances were the same last year. Has anyone had a similar experience or explanation. Thanks.

elektra

It looks like this year it has been automated via Pension Credit.
Last year BG sent a form/letter which you had to send back with proof of entitlement.

James01

Just an update, I rang British Gas to ask why they didn't get the payment last year and was told that a lot of people didn't get it then because the scheme wasn't set up properly and British Gas weren't advised of people who were eligible, it was basically up to the person to apply, which is pretty difficult when the scheme wasn't widely publicised or advertised. So a lot of eligible people missed out. All seems par for the course with these schemes.

makfai

Their is an 'automated' aspect based on age/benefits (the 'Core' Scheme) but there is a 'Broader' scheme which is not related to these criteria.

You may be interested in this thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4239367