British Gas has warned customers it "can't help" if the government decide they're not eligible for the Warm Home Discount.
Certain people are eligible for extra support to help pay their bills. The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 energy bill discount.
It's a one-off reduction applied between October and March. It targets vulnerable, low-income families and pensioners who are likely to struggle most to pay for their gas and electricity, reported Birmingham Live.
READ MORE: DWP full list of money being paid out at Christmas 2022 to help with bills and food
Given the cost of living crisis, more households than ever are trying to save money this year and may want to know if they can get the Warm Home Discount, which has undergone a controversial shake-up this year. The eligibility criteria is rather loose, which could lead to a spike in interest this year.
People have been told they do not need to apply for the Warm Home Discount and that the government will contact those who are eligible between November and mid-January. It means there are still a few weeks to go for households to be contacted.
The government says people in England and Wales could qualify if they get the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit or are "on a low income and have high energy costs". Millions of people would place themselves in the second bracket.
In order to be eligible, most applicants need to be receiving means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and their homes have a "high energy cost score". Full details can be viewed here.
British Gas said the Government decides who is successful for support and if customers are rejected it cannot help. It says on its website: "If you’re eligible for the payment on the qualifying date of August 21, 2022, you don’t need to apply for the Warm Home Discount this year, even if you applied in previous years.
"The Government will decide who is eligible and if you are will write to you between November 2022 and mid-January 2023. If you get turned down for the scheme, we can’t help you appeal because it’s decided by the Government. If you live in England and Wales and want to appeal a decision you’ll need to visit the Government’s dedicated Warm Home Discount website."
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