Thousands of households in park homes, houseboats and on commercial contracts can now be able to apply for a non-repayable £400 Government grant. The support payment is similar to the one already distributed to energy customers nationwide.
Instead of credit being applied directly to the bill, the payment will be made as a one-off payment via bank transfer. Those eligible to apply also include some people in care homes and those on a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site.
Ministers are urging all eligible homes to apply for their support as soon as possible. They have also warned households of potential scams relating to the funding.
Read more: Newcastle charity calls on Government to scrap plans to raise energy guarantee to £3,000
Who is eligible to apply for the energy bill support?
You may be eligible to apply 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)
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
you pay for the energy your household uses
you’re applying for your main, permanent home
you have a fixed address in England, Scotland or Wales
You cannot apply if you or your landlord:
Has a domestic energy meter
Pay your bills directly to an energy supplier
If you live in purpose-built student accommodation
If you live in a care home where all of your fees are paid by the local authority or NHS
If you live on a boat as a continuous cruiser
If you live on a non-permanent caravan or mobile home site
If you live in accommodation provided by your employer, such as seasonal workers, service occupiers, security guards or caretakers
If you live in a building where you are acting as a property guardian
If you live in business premises, such as a pub or hotel, where your address is the same as the business address
How can I apply?
You can apply through the Government’s online application portal. You’ll be asked to provide an email address and your bank account details, if you are not registered for council tax then you’ll be asked to provide proof of address.
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