Government changes eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount - check to see if you can get it

MSE_Emily

The Government has changed who is and who isn't eligible for the Warm Home Discount (WHD), with almost 300,000 disability benefit claimants no longer able to get the rebate. However, the Government says the change will see an additional 750,000 households receive the energy payment. Here's how to check if you're eligible...

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Government changes eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount - check to see if you can get it

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wild666

Will this lead to a disability discrimination case in the courts? I personally think it will, it will be like another Universal credit case and I expect there to be a win in favour of those on disability benefits. 

Torry_Quine

I won't get it anymore but I'm just grateful for the years I got it and that I'm not on any means tested benefits.

Chrysalis

This is the real nasty part of it.

"(i) You also need to have high energy bills to qualify for the new scheme"

This change I feel is probably worse than leaving it as it was, as at least before the size of your bill wasnt a criteria.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1065684/Warm_Home_Discount_Better_targeted_support_from_2022_Government_response.pdf

So even the suppliers think the energy use system is controversial and is likely to favour larger properties.  From reading the document, I will say this is highly controversial and wont be surprised if its legally challenged, they not going to use the actual bill but instead pre calculated estimated bills from the valuation office.

billykeats

I don’t understand why Disability Living Allowance and PIP are not on this of automatic as some have high bills due to various equipment that they have to have using lots of electric due to their disability & because they claim no other benefit they are being discriminated against

wild666

billykeats said:

I don’t understand why Disability Living Allowance and PIP are not on this of automatic as some have high bills due to various equipment that they have to have using lots of electric due to their disability & because they claim no other benefit they are being discriminated against

Maybe most of those who get PIP also get ESA which would entitle them to the WHD in the broader group 

pickapennyup

but people on means tested  benefits are more likely to be economical with gas and electric to keep their bills low

i dont think they will use more in the hope they will get the help it would be a big gamble

Spoonie_Turtle

pickapennyup said:

but people on means tested  benefits are more likely to be economical with gas and electric to keep their bills low

i dont think they will use more in the hope they will get the help it would be a big gamble

Absolutely not.  From what I've read it won't be based on actual use at all, it will be based on size, type and energy efficiency of the property, factors that determine a baseline of energy use to keep at a reasonable temperature for habitation regardless of how they might choose to use energy on top of that for cooking, lighting, various appliances, etc.