People have been urged to apply for a £400 discount off their energy bills ahead of an upcoming deadline. Millions of households have been getting £400 off their gas and electric bills in recent months as part of a government package aimed at easing the cost of living crisis.
For most households the scheme has already ended with many direct debit and prepayment meter customers receiving the money in instalments over six months between October and March or via redeemable vouchers. Anyone who received the discount via vouchers must redeem them by June 30, 2023.
However in some cases households may not have had the discount automatically. Those who pay for energy through a landlord, housing manager, or site owner or live in a park home, houseboat, or off-grid are also entitled to the discount but have to apply via a different scheme. This could also apply to those who pay care fees in a care home or support accommodation. The deadline to apply for this is approaching so be sure not to miss out.
Read more: Every cost of living payment and money deadline across 2023 and beyond
Here is everything you need to know about the energy bills support scheme alternative funding including who is eligible, how to apply, and the deadline you need to remember. To get all the latest money-saving news straight to your inbox sign up here.
Who is eligible for the energy bills support scheme alternative funding?
You may be eligible to apply for the scheme if your main home is:
- a residential park home
- on a boat on a permanent residential mooring
- on a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site
- part of a heat network without an electricity meter
- in social or private rented accommodation which has a business energy connection or a communal electricity supply
- off the mains electricity or gas grid
- in a care home or assisted living facility and you pay for some or all of your care (directly or through loss of pension or other benefits)
- in a separate domestic home within a non-domestic property (such as a farmhouse or a flat above a shop)
When is the deadline to apply and how do I do it?
You can apply if you pay for the energy your household uses and you’re applying for your main permanent home. You will need an email address or phone number (if you have one) and your bank account details (a UK current account in your name).
If you’re not registered for council tax you’ll need to upload proof of address such as a full current UK driving licence or tenancy agreement as part of your application. If you live in a care home you’ll also need to upload either an invoice for your care home fees from the past three months or an official document from the care home including your name and address, a funding statement, and the name and address of the care home.
Applications for the scheme close on May 31, 2023, so be sure and apply before that date to avoid missing out. You can apply online here or call the helpline team on 0808 175 3287 if you cannot apply online or need help with your application.
READ NEXT:
