Can't seem to claim Warm Home Discount on Working Tax Credit

John2023

For the first time, people on Working Tax Credit and on a low income can claim the £150.00 Warm Home Discount.

There are also qualifying factors like the property you live in.

My friend qualifies in every area but since late November she's got absolutely nowhere in trying to claim this £150.00 She contacted her energy company. They said it's the DWP she needs to contact. DWP send out the letters. Problem is she gets her Working Tax Credit through HMRC. DWP don't have a file on her.

The people on the Warm Home Discount helpline and on the government website say she SHOULD be getting the £150.00. Warm Home Discount but there's this lack of communication between between DWP and HMRC.

She cannot be the only one. I've tried to get a result for her and I come up against a brick wall too. 

Surely there are others claiming Working Tax Credit and are getting the Warm Home Discount, or maybe not?

Any help greatly appreciated. Cheers.

calcotti

You don't claim it. It should be paid automatically if eligible. Payment may be paid by end of March.
If hasn't had a letter by mid January contact the Warm Home Discount helpline
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/low-income

Qualifying benefits and tax credits

..

You could also qualify if your household income falls below a certain threshold and you get either:

• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

How to get the discount

You’ll receive a letter between November 2022 and January 2023 telling you about the discount if you’re eligible.
Most eligible households will receive an automatic discount. Your letter will say if you need to call a helpline by 28 February 2023 to confirm your details.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2023.

If you do not get a letter

Contact the Warm Home Discount helpline if you do not get the letter by mid-January 2023 and you think you’re eligible.

You’ll need to call the helpline before 28 February 2023.

Warm Home Discount helpline 
Telephone: 0800 107 8002  
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm 

Eligibility can be checked here

https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-eligible-for-warm-home-discount

John2023

We've done all that.

It's only automatic IF the DWP check that you're on the right benefit and fulfil other factors like property age, size, etc.

Apparently, the DWP doesn't have a file on Working Tax Credit  claimanta, so it isn't automatic. Working Tax Credit is issued by HMRC.

No letter obviously.

Yes, SHE QUALIFIES in every area. No need to check further. Please read again my initial post. Thanks. 

calcotti

So you're saying that even the Warm Home Discount helpline itself cannot assist. That's absurd. May be worth contacting your MP.

strawb_shortcake

When I called the helpline I was told that DWP would be able to check if I had a tax credit claim open. I'm not entirely sure if I'm entitled due to my payments stopping in July 22 but I got the impression that computer said no, but it has now been flagged to DWP.