Urgent warning as just hours left for households to claim £200 energy help before applications shut – are you eligible?
THOUSANDS of households have just hours left to claim £200 in free cash to help with their energy bills.
If your home is heated by liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil or solid fuel, you need to apply for the free cash before midnight.
These households are eligible for what’s known as the Alternative Fuel Payment because they aren’t hooked up to the mains gas grid.
The payment is worth £200 and was automatically credited onto the electricity bills of those who have a mains supply in February.
However, thousands who aren’t hooked up to the mains electricity grid need to actively apply for the free cash.
Applications were originally due to close in February but were extended by three months to May 31.
That means if you are eligible and haven’t yet applied, you have just hours left to do so.
Those needing to apply could also be living:
- In a residential park home
- On a boat on a permanent residential mooring
- On a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site
- In social or private rented accommodation which has a business energy connection or a communal electricity supply
- Off the mains electricity or gas grid
- Part of a business property (such as a farm or a flat above a shop)
You can apply via the Gov.UK website.
You can also apply by calling 0808 175 3287, but make sure you’ve got the following to hand before you do:
- An email address or phone number
- Your bank details
- Alternative fuel receipts or other proof that you’ve been using it within the allotted time period
After applying you should be sent either an email or letter within six weeks confirming if you’re going to get the £200.
If you do qualify you’ll receive the money directly into your bank account.
What other energy bill help is available?
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you’re struggling.
Here’s a list of schemes open right now:
- British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
- British Gas Energy Trust
- EDF Customer Support Fund
- E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
- Octopus Energy Assist Fund
- OVO Energy
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
Customers can also get a one-off fuel voucher from their energy supplier if they’re on a prepayment meter.
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment is currently being paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, as of April 25
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners.
You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Attendance allowance
- Constant attendance allowance
- Disability living allowance for adults
- Disability living allowance for children
- Personal independence payment (PIP)
- Adult disability payment (in Scotland)
- Child disability payment (in Scotland)
- Armed forces independence payment
- War pension mobility supplement
If you are eligible for the payment, it will be made this summer.
Meanwhile, pensioners who are entitled to a winter fuel payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.
You will be eligible for a winter fuel payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.
Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.