The Post Office has issued an alert over letters containing a free £150 boost before Christmas. UK households are being urged to watch out for new letters on the doormat from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the Warm Home Discount.
They are urging people with a prepayment meter to get ready to redeem their Warm Home Discount vouchers as the scheme opens nationwide. The reminder comes as new Post Office data reveals that over £3 million worth of Warm Home Discount vouchers – which can be redeemed at over 11,500 branches across the country – went unclaimed last year, reports BirminghamLive.
Last year, the Post Office processed 300,000 vouchers through its branches, with 190,000 vouchers issued in October and 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.
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Kevin Elson, Postmaster at Bache Post Office said in a statement: “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.
The Warm Home Discount Helpline number is 0800 030 9322. It provides assistance and helps customers who have received a letter regarding their eligibility.