Octopus Energy Warm Home Discount Broader Group Criteria 2021/2022

Islarosie101

How long have people been “pending” for? 7 weeks for me now, has anyone actually had a confirmation that their application has been accepted? 

Green_garnet

I applied in October, Islarosie101, and my application was marked as 'Pending' until just very recently.  When I checked my account on line again it had changed from Pending to 'Awaiting Audit.'  Although I'm not sure exactly what it means I think I may be one of the 5% being referred to the Government for confirmation.

So far I have had no confirmation that my application for the Broader Group has been accepted.

I hope you hear soon and please let us know how you get on,  Islarosie101.

Green_garnet.

SJMALBA

Islarosie101 said:

How long have people been “pending” for? 7 weeks for me now, has anyone actually had a confirmation that their application has been accepted? 

Still pending after 10 weeks; no contact since the email confirming submission of application.

worrywart_3

octopus say they are starting to see the credits post hopefully not too much longer.

MoneyMate

Still waiting for myself been some time now.

Green_garnet

I have to admit that I'm really disappointed and stressed about this.  Octopus sent me an email today which included:

"Your application was randomly selected for audit and was initially sent to the Department For Work and Pensions (DWP) for verification. Unfortunately, DWP was not able to verify your application details with the data that they hold for you. 

We’re not informed of the specific reason for why you were not matched."

I tried exhaustively to get through to DWP on the 'phone and eventually the Department was closed so I had to give up.  I tried to fill in the form Octopus provided the link for and found that I needed to upload about ten documents to support my application for the Broader Group - since DWP was not able to verify my application details.  I can't think why DWP can't verify my details for Octopus.

After trying for hours, I cannot upload the forms and the form will not 'accept' dragging them from the Desktop to the space on the form for them.

I'm really disappointed (not in any way with Octopus who, understandably, now need much more detailed information) but more with DWP and how difficult it is to get in touch with them by 'phone.

I've let Octopus know that I'll try ringing DWP again tomorrow and, if still no success getting through, I'll ring Octopus again to see if they can help.

I'm satisfied that the information I provided to Octopus is correct but can't think why DWP  can't verify it.  DWP know about my low income and about my DLA Care and Mobility awards.

I think I am just upset and frustrated but I know there are more important things to be upset and frustrated about.  I was maybe too optimistic about the procedure being straightforward. 

Just incase anyone knows - is there a specific telephone number for DWP where they deal with Warm Home Discount Broader Group application enquiries - the Department where they verify or cannot verify Warm Home Discount Broader Group applications?  I ask because I tried quite a few numbers today - including the one on my DLA award letter but I really could not get through on any of the numbers I tried - then 'Department now closed'.

I'm sorry to moan and thank you for reading.

Green_garnet.

Islarosie101

Hi @Green_garnet,

Is there anyway you could email octopus and attach the relevant documents to the email instead of the form? 

With regards to the DWP, I’ve actually tried contacting them before and they are ridiculously hard to get through to. It’s almost like they make it difficult on purpose. I’ve only ever called from the general number though, and through a quick Google I’ve not been able to find any info at all for a specific number to do with the WHD.

Fingers crossed octopus can help you when you call them tomorrow. Let us know what they say. 

Really frustrating for you though as obviously you are genuinely in need of this and I can’t see why the DWP won’t give any info on why it’s been declined. 

Mines still “pending”, although I messaged octopus on Twitter last week asking about the WHD and they said they “think” mines been sent off as one of the 5% as well. However this hasn’t reflected on my Octopus account so I’m not sure how accurate this was. I’m really worried now that the same is going to happen to me.

keep trying and let us know

Green_garnet

Thanks very much Islarosie101.  I'm really sorry if my post has caused you to worry.  I hope it does not happen to you.  The problem is that DWP told Octopus that it was not able to verify my application details so it is not the fault of Octopus.

If Octopus will accept an email I would be able to email with, I have counted now and there are so many pages of documents that, with that number of attachments,  I would need to send more than one email.

It would be less stressful and less upsetting if DWP would say exactly what does not match up with my application details and let Octopus, or me,  know.  I'm trying not to be too 'down' about it but sometimes the 'system' seems heartless and doesn't care. I really did try quite exhaustively to get through to DWP on the telephone yesterday with no success.  I really haven't been able to sleep and I just hope this can be sorted.
 
Yes, it is a lot of money and would help a great deal with the heavy winter fuel bills.  I'll let you know the outcome and please try not to worry about your application.  Hopefully DWP will be able to verify your application details for Octopus with no problem.  I'll post back with any news, thanks.

Green_garnet

wild666

When I was with Bulb I just downloaded my award letters for ESA & PIP into my application and got the £140 every year. 

worrywart_3

Still waiting here and getting concerned because I normally tick the low income button but ticked disability which I haven’t ever done before I have a disabled daughter. I’m guessing I’m eligible on both counts. But the low income due to caring responsibility would probably have been more straight forward as the dla is on her name obviously but under ten