BULB WHD no help for Disabled

Marks1

lb, I moved to them through this very site as they were a recommended supplier, and they were green, and cheaper.
I moved from another supplier as they did not offer the WHD.!
I am on contribution based ESA, as I have worked all my life, due to illness I am now severely disabled and on higher rate PIP.!
I contacted Bulb back in the spring before I switched, to check whether they had the WHD, and they said yes, so weighing up the potential savings from switching and the £140 WHD, I switched.I also rang them and emailed them in the summer to check when they were open to applications and said I was in receipt of PIP. They also confirmed I was eligible.!
It appears I no longer fulfil their criteria, they only accept ESA (IR), and there is no mention of PIP.
So being disabled having worked ALL my life, has no value in terms of this company's criteria, and I am no longer saving money,as the offset of WHD is no longer avaliable to me.!
It would be very useful if the energy companies would advertise to whom they provide WHD and what criteria, as it seems a lottery. Can MSE provide such a list? Any advice would be much appreciated.

twhitehousescat

I have already made a posting about this

bulb have made mistake in interpreting ofgen rules

I like you joined bulb on the understanding that WHD would be available

having recueved ESA and housing benefit , SSE and others accept this , however bulb insist on EXTRA

Disabled child premium

Disability premium (including enhanced or severe), DLA, PIP, or Attendance Allowance

Pensioner premium (including higher or enhanced)

Disability or severe disability element of Child Tax Credit

Disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit

Carer's Premium or Carer's Allowance (for anyone in your household)

Marks1

Thanks, I am aware of these criteria, I have made a complaint, see where that gets me. I saw your post, and we need a list of providers and what criteria before we swap.

twhitehousescat

it seems that it is the goverment /ofgen that have altered the rules , please look at page 30 https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/system/files/docs/2018/08/warm_home_discount_whd_guidance_for_suppliers_-_version_6.1.pdf

Marks1

Thankyou.
I have lodged a complaint with both BULB and Ofgen. How they can justify that those with disabilities are not in fuel poverty risk groups, is beyond me.

twhitehousescat

yes bulb have omitted fuel poverty out .

but I think the changes (extra criteria) are down to goverment legislation

twhitehousescat

Hi """"

I'm writing to follow up from our call earlier today about your Warm Home Discount.

I've spoken with some colleagues on the matter and the eligibility criteria that are on our website in your online account and can be seen in further detail here: https://help.bulb.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360034712312 are correct and were produced in collaboration with Ofgem.

Ofgem designate a minimum criteria that all WHD suppliers have to be compliant with as a minimum. This is what we matched last year however since we had further allocation this year due to Bulb's growth, we were able to extend the broader group criteria. Based on what we spoke about over the phone, this would unfortunately mean you were not eligible for the WHD with Bulb.

Broader group criteria is supplier specific so if receiving the WHD is crucial for yourself, then you would be able to find a new supplier and receive it through them. All suppliers who offer the scheme should have plenty of applications open just where it's only been going for a week or so.

there criteria states 65 or over , no date , u am 65 (september) , bulb are now saying april

Marks1

Is this what you got?

twhitehousescat

yes email from escalated complaints at bulb , i was transfered by ofgen to discuss before ofgen action

Marks1

Did you get any success

twhitehousescat

no there answer is above , they suggest to move to another suplier If I want whd

Broader group criteria is supplier specific so if receiving the WHD is crucial for yourself, then you would be able to find a new supplier and receive it through them. All suppliers who offer the scheme should have plenty of applications open just where it's only been going for a week or so.

the eligibility date for 19-20 was last april

and saying that WHD is on first come basis , it would take mth to change supplier