DWP PIP claimants could save £150 on energy bills under new plan

Labour MPs are calling for the £150 Warm Home Discount eligibility to be expanded so as to include people in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Back in 2022, criteria was revised, aiming to provide more rebates to low income households automatically.

The Government said the criteria was set to make the best use of data and identify household at greatest risk of fuel poverty. But Labour MP Marsha De Cordova is now urging the Energy Secretary to expand eligibility to include those on certain benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Battersea MP pointed out the additional energy expenses that disabled individuals face, as detailed in Scope's "Disability Price Tag 2024: Living with the extra cost of disability" report, published in September.

In a written response on Monday, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: "The Warm Home Discount Scheme is currently focused to provide support towards those on lowest incomes who receive means-tested benefits and live in a property estimated to be relatively high cost to heat.

“This winter’s scheme was launched today, 14 October, and we expect it again to support over three million households. We are exploring options to improve the design of the scheme beyond the current regulations which expire in 2026.” Labour MP Tom Hayes also urged the UK Government to consider expanding eligibility criteria to include those on PIP and DLA, as reported by the Daily Record.

Below is a brief overview of this year's Warm Home Discount Scheme, full details are available on GOV.UK here.

Participating energy suppliers:

If you live in England and Wales,