Martin Lewis’ MSE warns thousands of households have just weeks left to claim £400 free cash for energy bills
MARTIN Lewis’ MSE has warned thousands of households have just weeks left to claim £400 free cash.
The support is available for people who live in a park home or pay their landlord directly to go towards their energy bills.
In the latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter the team urged bill payers to take advantage of the scheme before its May 31 deadline.
It reads: “Live in a park home or pay your landlord directly?
“You’ve got three weeks left to apply to get the £400 payment.”
The £400 payment is being dished out to people who live in a park, mobile or care home, or off the electricity grid.
It is also available to people who pay their landlord directly for energy and they’re on a commercial, not a domestic tariff.
These households won’t have received the £400 energy rebate that was dished out from October 2022 in £66 and £67 instalments.
Those in England, Scotland or Wales will be able to apply for it through the Government’s online portal.
Those in Northern Ireland can apply through a separate portal.
Around 900,000 households are eligible, including people who live in houseboats or have a communal electricity supply.
MSE did warn that if you’re not registered for council tax you’ll need to upload a proof of your address, like a bank statement or tenancy agreement as part of your application.
And, if you live in a care home you’ll also need to upload a care home invoice that’s less than three months old or an official document from your care home.
It will need to include your name and address, a funding statement and the name and address of your care home.
Your local council will make your payment directly into your bank account.
Exactly when you’ll receive your payment will depend on when you made the application and when it was processed.
What other energy bill help is available?
Certain households are eligible for an extra £200 in free cash to pay for their bills if they use alternative fuels for most of their heating, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil or solid fuel.
The majority of the payments were credited onto electricity bills automatically in February 2023, thousands still need to apply for the cash.
If you do qualify you’ll receive the money directly into your bank account – head over to the government’s website for more information.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you’re struggling.
The first instalment of the £900 payment is currently being paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners.
There’s a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment meter.
Plus, the Household Support Fund is currently worth £842million and is being dished out to residents by their local councils.
The vouchers or grants on offer vary by location so you’ll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.
Eligible households can get up to £500 in free cash depending on their circumstances.
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