Warm Home Discount Catch 22?

roy_harper

So I'm eligible for the WHD on the grounds of being on a qualifying benefit.  However, under the new rules, I'll have to have a high usage too.  My problem is that I've already drastically reduced my electricity and gas consumption to the point of frugality.  Is it correct that it seems I won't get the WHD then? Catch 22.

Alnat1

I did hear it's more to do with estimated use based on size of property, so people in bigger houses are more likely to get it, which seems a bit unfair.

Spoonie_Turtle

The stated intention is to target people most likely to be on fuel poverty, specifically those on a low income as defined by claiming a means-tested benefit, living in properties likely to have high fuel costs, as determined by a formula using property age, type (detached/semi/terraced/flat), and floor space.

This has left out disabled people who work but are likely to have higher costs and less likely to be able to increase their income.  The WHD also won't go as far for anyone this year with the forthcoming increases.

 
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/faqs-warm-home-discount-scheme
Detailed info here https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/warm-home-discount-better-targeted-support-from-2022

worrywart_3

The voa infomation means no one can actually work out if they will get it or not very frustrating 

wild666

I think it was unfair to stop payment to those who receive PIP as many of them might be stuck indoors 24/7 and need the heating on to keep warm. Why hasn't there being a protest over this? Many on PIP might also receive ESA so would be able to claim but that's not the point PIP should be included in the core group. 

Mstty

Because there is not an endless supply of money to hand out.

There will be financial handouts that don't reach the areas of society in need and over compensate other areas because it cannot be that granular. The administration costs then make up more than the payments.

jessmist

Hi,
I always qualified under the broader group.
Looking at the conditions I should still qualify.
Do I still need to apply or is it automatically done this year ?

Thanks 

Spoonie_Turtle

jessmist said:

Hi,
I always qualified under the broader group.
Looking at the conditions I should still qualify.
Do I still need to apply or is it automatically done this year ?

Thanks 

It's done automatically; the broader group has been replaced by Core Group 2 so that everyone who qualifies will get it, no missing out because they didn't apply early enough. However the criteria have changed - see above - so nobody outside Core Group 1 (people claiming Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) knows yet whether they'll get it under the new rules or not.

parchedpeas

The metric takes into account the type of house and the size of the house.

Small terraced houses will miss out
Large detached houses will get it.

If you want to know why, look for who is currently in charge.

Coffeekup

parchedpeas said:

The metric takes into account the type of house and the size of the house.

Small terraced houses will miss out
Large detached houses will get it.

Any proof of this?

QrizB

Coffeekup said:

parchedpeas said:

The metric takes into account the type of house and the size of the house.

Small terraced houses will miss out
Large detached houses will get it.

Any proof of this?

You can read the consultation and the outcome here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/warm-home-discount-better-targeted-support-from-2022