Households without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier, such as those living in park homes and care homes, can now apply via a secure online portal to receive the support as a one-off, non-repayable payment of £400 under the ‘alternative funding’ route of the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF).
The launch of applications follows months of close work with stakeholders across the country to deliver the Government’s help for households with the cost of living. The alternative funding route is the latest in a range of targeted measures which are covering around half of a typical household’s energy bills this winter.
To ensure people feel the benefit of this support as quickly as possible, the payment will be provided directly into people’s bank accounts. Over £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.
The alternative funding route is designed to make sure the same level of support reaches those without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier. It’s also available for households who get their energy through a commercial contract or who are off-grid.
You can apply here: Apply for energy bill support if you do not get it automatically - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Before you start, you will need to have the following details to hand:
- A telephone number and email address (if you have one)
- Your bank account details (a UK current account in your name)
If you are not registered for Council Tax, you will also need to upload proof of address (such as a bank statement or tenancy agreement) as part of your application.
When you apply, the local council will check you live at the address you apply for. You’ll be told about the progress of your application by email or letter, then your council will arrange a one-off payment.
Someone else may apply on your behalf, but they will need to answer all questions using your details.
For those unable to apply online, 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 08am to 6pm on Monday to Friday.
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.
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.