I don’t know what’s going on with the weather this year, but I’ve managed to avoid putting the heating on in my flat so far. We’re on the top floor, so think we’re nicking downstair’s heat.

But as we all know, the minute you flick that switch – you’re bills start heating up (had to put that pun in – don’t judge).

However – you could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2017 to 2018 under the Government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Hang on though – don’t go thinking this is £140 cash in your pocket, as the money comes off your electricity bill between October and March.

Who can get it?

Not everyone can get it, you need to fit the following things, from July 9th to apply:

• Your electricity supplier was part of the scheme (see below)
• Your name or your partner’s name was on the bill
• You were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well).

What if I don’t qualify?

Ok, all is not lost if you don’t fit into the above specifications, as you may be able to apply directly to your electricity supplier for help if you’re on a low income or you get means-tested benefits. Give them a call and ask (make sure you’re on the cheapest tariff too – ask them!)

Claim from these Energy Providers below

• British Gas
• Economy Energy
• EDF Energy
• EON Energy
• Cooperative Energy 
• Scottish Power
• SSE
• NPower
• Spark Energy
• Utilita
• Ovo Energy
• First Utility

I’m thinking about writing a blog post on keeping your house warm, while keeping bills low – so if you have any ideas or tricks, please do let me know in the comments.

Here’s one way… (Get ready for a story). In university, I lived in a houseshare with some guys who were super cheap. Like, so cheap the heating wasn’t allowed on even though we lived in a drafty old house and it was snowing outside.

My friend and I decided that enough was enough, and we needed to have a ‘house meeting’ (urgh) to discuss putting the heating on. The boys were having none of it – but you know what they suggested? Lighting a bloody candle because it takes the edge of the cold!

Still angry 10 years later. HA!