Eligibility for the “winter lifeline” Warm Home Discount is changing, with the government shifting the targeting of the one-off payment, which has increased by £10 this winter to £150 for those fortunate enough to qualify for it.
More than half a million households could no longer be eligible for the payment, charities have warned. National Energy Action (NEA) and Scope said that 500,000 households across England and Wales are now ineligible for the discount because Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payments are no longer qualifying benefits.
Some of those living in smaller homes who were previously entitled to the assistance will also miss out.
Among the 2.8 million people who are eligible are pensioners who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and people on a low income who receive certain means-tested benefits and are in, or at risk of, fuel poverty.
The second of these groups has been reassessed and was part of...