Press release -
Post Office calls on people to redeem their Warm Home Discount vouchers
Post Office is urging people to get ready to redeem their Warm Home Discount vouchers, with redemptions set to begin on 14 October.
The reminder comes as Post Office data reveals that over £3 million worth of Warm Home Discount vouchers, which could have been redeemed at their branches, went unclaimed last year. The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills, offering vital support as energy costs continue to rise. Households in England and Wales who qualify for the Warm Home Discount and have an electric key meter (prepay) will receive a letter from providers working with the Post Office: British Gas, EDF, EON Next, Green OVO and Scottish Power. The letter will contain a voucher that can be redeemed at any Post Office branch to top up their meter.
Last year, Post Office processed 300,000 vouchers through its branches, with 190,000 vouchers issued in October & November alone. Postmasters and Post Office play a crucial role in helping customers access this essential support, especially as rising energy bills continue to place strain on households. This is the third year Post Office has run energy advice drop-ins at selected branches in partnership with charities and advice organisations with 40 events planned this winter.
Kevin Elson, Postmaster at Bache Post Office said:“We know many people are worried about the cost of their energy bills as the colder weather starts to set in. £150 can make a big difference, especially to people who are on pay-as-you-go meter.
“It’s really important that people are able to access the financial support schemes that are available, such as the Warm Homes Discount. That’s why postmasters, like me, and our teams stand ready to help and ensure that people can easily redeem their vouchers.”
It is important to redeem the voucher soon after receiving it as they do expire, some in as little as 30 days. If the voucher is lost or expires, households can contact their supplier to have it reissued.
In Scotland, a separate application process is required, and anyone who believes they may be eligible should contact their energy supplier directly.
The Warm Home Discount Helpline number is 0800 030 9322 to provide assistance and help customers who have received a letter regarding their eligibility. Anyone unsure about their eligibility should visit https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-schemeto confirm if they qualify for the scheme.
Post Office, with over 11,500 branches across the UK, is uniquely positioned to help customers access financial support in their communities. Through its Cost-of-Living Hub on the website, further information can be accessed on the Warm Home Discount and other financial support options. Customers can visit their local branch to redeem financial assistance and manage their finances in person. For more information, visit www.postoffice.co.uk/costofliving.
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About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
