Warm Home Discount

I’ve received a letter telling me I will be receiving the Warm Home Discount. This is a puzzle because I am not entitled to it. I claim contributions based ESA and PIP. I do not receive any means tested top ups as I am not entitled to them. In addition, I am not named on any electricity account. I live with my elderly parents and my dad is named on the account. He has a very good employment pension and would not be eligible for this money.

I tried contacting the warm home discount office but they just said that if I’ve received this letter, I must be entitled to it. I received the letter last year too, but just ignored it as I assumed it had been sent in error.

I’ve now discovered that my dad actually received the £150 discount on his account last year. I keep trying to persuade my dad to contact the electricity provider about this situation but he refuses to because he says he doesn’t understand (He is 83). What should I do? I am worried I will get into trouble if I don’t stop these payments. I did NOT receive the cost of living payments that were given to people on means tested benefits so the DWP cannot think I’m on a means tested benefit.

Either you or your partner's name has to be on the electricity bill to qualify for the Warm Home Discount, so someone's definitely made a mistake. I think the only option is to be persistent.