From today (February 27) households can apply through an online portal for a new £400 energy bill support grant. The assistance is set to help more than 900,000 households with their fuel bills this winter.
Today, the new scheme has gone live - and it is aimed at people who don’t directly deal with their energy supplier themselves, but still pay for it. Types of people in this group would be those living in park homes and care homes.
The one off lump sum is aimed at people who missed out on previous cost of living help with their energy bills but are potentially in need of the help. For those without online access, a dedicated customer helpline is available to assist eligible customers.
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The government, in a new release today, said that the cash would be paid directly into people’s bank accounts. It’s also available for households who get their energy through a commercial contract or who are off-grid.
Minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Amanda Solloway, said: “We understand the pressure households are under which is why we’ve already stepped in to pay around half of people’s energy bills this winter, and from today, thousands more will be able to apply securely for their £400.
“Today I’m urging everyone who couldn’t get their EBSS discounts in the regular way to apply via our secure channels. If you don’t have a direct contract with an electricity supplier, it’s essential you submit your application as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner help can get to you.”
To apply on the online government portal click here.
Who is eligible?
- Households eligible to apply for support under EBSS Alternative Funding include:
- care home residents and others in care facilities/sheltered accommodation (wholly or partly self-funded)
- park home residents
- houseboats and caravans that can provide proof of address
- social and private tenants who pay for energy through a landlord on a commercial supply
- homes on a heat network/private wire
- off-grid homes
- farmhouses used for wholly domestic purposes
More than £7.2 billion has been provided so far to 97 per cent of households across England, Scotland and Wales through monthly instalments, which most households receive automatically in the same way they pay these bills. At the same time the government warned people that some scammers are trying to target the energy help schemes.
It said it would never directly send any links to the application portal, or directly ask individuals to apply for the £400 support. Those that require additional help when applying for support may wish to seek assistance from a family member or trusted friend.
Once customers have applied to receive energy support and their applications have been processed and verified, eligible customers’ details will be shared with Local Authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, who will deliver the support in one lump sum. Local authorities may request additional information to assist their verification process – but only once an application has been made via the secure portal or helpline.
Applicants will only be able to submit information through these channels and should not contact their local authority. For those without online access, the contact centre helpline can be reached on 0808 175 3287 for applicants in Great Britain, where a representative will guide them through the application process. The helpline is open 8am to 6pm on Monday to Friday.
Read next:
- DWP issues new update on £900 Cost of Living Payment
- Cost of living support worth £20 million for Nottinghamshire announced by DWP
- DWP - Not all Universal Credit claimants will qualify for new £301 Cost of Living payment
- DWP error could see 100,000 people entitled to £6,000 cash back says Martin Lewis
- How to save money on your energy bills this winter
