Homes in Northern Ireland will soon begin to receive a long awaited Energy Support Payment.
The UK Government outlined that around 500,000 households locally will receive support with their energy bills this year. Vouchers will begin to be issued from mid-January, it was confirmed on Friday.
Details of the payment were announced on Monday December 19, when the Government announced all households across Northern Ireland will receive a single payment.
Read more: New details announced for NI £600 energy payments
How much is the payment and what is it?
The single payment is consisting of £400 through the Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBSS NI) and the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) - it is £600 in total.
How will the money be delivered?
For customers on standard credit schemes without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment (keypad) meters, this will take the form of vouchers, with the most vulnerable customers getting priority access.
Standard Credit customers with no direct debit arrangement and prepayment keypad customers will receive the voucher from their supplier which they can redeem at a Post Office, either by depositing it in a bank or credit union, or where needed as cash.
Customers with a direct debit arrangement with their energy supplier will receive the payment directly to their bank account and will not be provided with vouchers.
When can people expect to see the money?
Vouchers will start to be issued from mid-January.
Information for those redeeming in the Post Office
500 Post Offices across Northern Ireland are preparing for the role they will play in getting people the £600 support they are entitled to from mid-January.
“It’s vital that anyone who doesn’t pay for their energy usage by direct debit, or have a prepaid meter, looks out for their voucher in the post," said Nick Read, Chief Executive at the Post Office.
"Before coming to the Post Office, make sure to bring your letter, the correct proof of address and photo identification as this will speed things up in branch."
What do customers need to take to the Post Office?
Voucher holders will need to take the voucher, the letter from their supplier issued with their voucher, proof of address and photo ID to the Post Office to redeem their voucher. Proof of address needs to be dated before January 2, 2023 to be valid.
The following photographic ID will be accepted:
- Valid Passport
- Valid UK or EU/EEA Photo Driving Licence
- Armed Forces ID Card or Police Warrant Card
- NI Electoral Identity Card
- Translink SmartPass (Senior/60+/ War Disabled/Blind Person’s)
- Asylum ID Card
Keypad customers need to bring their keypad app or top up card, in addition to the voucher, proof of address and photo ID.
Do customers need to make an application?
No application is necessary. Suppliers will be providing vouchers automatically to all their customers.
Is there an expiry date?
Vouchers will be valid until March 31 2023.
What if a voucher is lost?
They can be reissued if lost, but customers are urged to redeem them as soon as possible.
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Is the payment enough or too little too late? Perhaps you think wealthier residences should not be eligible? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
