The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed when and how everyone will receive the £400 energy bill discount later this year. It was announced last month that households will begin receiving the discount this October, with instalments being sent out between October 2022 and March 2023, but the new information tells families how they will receive their rebate depending on how they pay their bills.
Around 29 millions households will get the Energy Bills Support Scheme money and it will be paid automatically by your energy supplier, meaning you do not need to apply for the discount. The money was announced by then Chancellor Rishi Sunak in May to help families cope with the cost of living crisis.
A Tweet shared by the DWP press office, and retweeted by the DWP, said: "#CostOfLiving help is available, including: - A £150 Council Tax rebate for 80% of households - A £650 #CostOfLivingPayment for eligible benefit claimants - A £400 Energy bill discount for domestic electricity customers Find out more: https://costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk ".
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The £400 discount will be handed out in different ways, depending on how you pay for your energy bills.
If you pay by direct debit
The payment will be made automatically as a reduction to the monthly direct debit amount collected or as a refund to the customer's bank account each month.
If you pay by debit or credit card
The discount will be applied automatically as a credit to standard credit customers accounts in the first week of each month.
It you have a smart prepayment meter
The discount will be credited directly to meters in the first week of each month of delivery.
Traditional prepayment meters
The discount will be provided via redeemable vouchers or Special Action Messages issued via SMS text, email or post.
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