When British Gas offers free money, you shouldn’t ignore them. The energy giant has announced that it’s Warm Home Discount Scheme, which helps whose in need with £140 towards their energy bills, has just opened for registrations.

Customers need to be receiving eligible means-tested benefits, the savings or guarantee and savings element of the State Pension Credit, have a household income below £16,190 and have a disability or long-term illness, or have a household income of below £16,190 ad be spending more than 10% on fuel for adequate heating (usually 21 degrees for the main living area). To apply, call 0800 072 8625 or visit britishgaswarmhomediscount.com.

Scheme Year 4 now open from 1st May 2014.

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) Scheme is a 5 year programme introduced by the Government in April 2011 and administered by energy suppliers to provide rebates on the electricity bills of households that need it most in England, Scotland, and Wales.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHDS) offers eligible customers a one-off payment on their electricity bill. For Winter 2014/15, this will be £140.

The WHDS separates eligible households into two groups – the ‘Core’ group and the ‘Broader’group.

Core group

Pension Credit customers who are automatically considered for the discount.

If you meet the following conditions, you do not need to do anything now to get your discount in 2014/2015. The Government will write to all those potentially eligible for the winter 2014/15 discount in autumn 2014.

You may qualify for this energy discount if on 12 July 2014 (the qualifying date) you are the named account holder or partner and:

• Receive only the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (without receiving the Savings Credit) OR
• Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit as well as the Savings Credit.

To find out more about the eligibility criteria, please visit this

Broader Group

Under the WHDS, suppliers have discretion over which households fall under their Broader group criteria. Each company has its own set of qualifying conditions.

If you think you may be eligible and wish to register

You can apply online at https://britishgaswarmhomediscount.com.

Or alternatively please contact

For our Prepayment Customers Contact: 0800 294 8604

For our Credit Customers Contact: 0800 072 8625

You will need to apply for the scheme each year in order to be considered for payment.

In order to complete a registration we will need details of all the benefits you are in receipt of and amounts, as well as any other household income. Please have this information to hand when you call.

Please also keep any correspondence you may have confirming household income or benefits gained, as you may be asked to provide documentary evidence to support your claim, as required by Scheme Guidelines.