Some 900,000 households can now apply for another £400 towards their energy bills from the government.
An online portal has opened to help people across England, Scotland and Wales access the support. The one-off, non-repayable lump sum is available to households without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier, such as those living in park homes and care homes.
The payment will be paid directly into people’s bank accounts, reports WalesOnline. The exact date that an eligible household will receive support will depend on when the application is made and when the payment can be processed by the relevant local authority.
The support comes under the “alternative funding” route of the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF). A dedicated customer helpline is available to assist eligible customers without online access.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said more than £7.2 billion has been provided so far to 97% of households across England, Scotland and Wales through monthly instalments, which most households receive automatically in the same way they pay these bills.
Ministers are also warning households to stay alert to potential scams and report them to relevant authorities where they are suspected. The Government said it will never provide any links to the application portal, or directly ask individuals to apply for the £400 support.
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.”
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