THOUSANDS of hard-up households can claim energy bill vouchers to help with the cost of living.
Customers are facing higher bills from next month when the government’s £66-67 a month energy bill rebate ends.
GettyHere are three ways to claim energy vouchers worth up to £1,500[/caption]
It comes after the Chancellor announced that the government’s energy price guarantee will be extended at the current level for another three months.
It means a household with typical usage pays no more than £2,500 a year.
The figure had been due to increase to £3,000 a year from April, but it will remain at £2,500 until July, at which point it’s hoped that energy prices will have started to come down.
But because all households have been receiving a £66-67 a month discount, energy bills have been slightly cheaper now than what they will be next month.
Here are three ways to claim energy vouchers worth up to £1,500 right now.
Energy bill discount – £67
It’s vital that all households check to confirm that they have received their final instalment of the £400 energy bill rebate.
These discounts have been automatically applied to bills and prepay smart meters over the winter months.
But those with traditional prepayment meters should have received vouchers.
Many of these vouchers sent by email, text or post have gone unclaimed, so check with your supplier if you haven’t received yours.
The latest PayPoint data suggests that one in five households did not redeem their energy support vouchers, issued in December before they expired.
You should receive clear instructions on how to use and redeem the full value of these vouchers.
You must redeem the vouchers within 90 days of their issue date – if you don’t, you’ll have to get in touch with your energy firm and wait for a new voucher to be issued.
Household Support Fund – up to £500
Cash grants are available through the Household Support Fund offered by local authorities.
The fund is worth £421million in total but each council gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.
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.
You’ll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help.
The funding runs until the end of March, which is the deadline for which councils must dish out the available money to hard-up households.
For example, residents of Camden Council are being offered up to £500 to help with food, energy, fuel and other household costs.
Eligible customers can choose to receive cash in their bank account, energy vouchers or cost-cutting appliances such as a slow cooker or an air fryer.
To apply, you’ll need to prove you’re on low income and urgently need the help.
This might mean printing a recent bank statement or providing proof of benefits.
To apply, you can call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835.
But be quick – while the deadline to apply is Friday, March 31.
Even if you don’t live in these areas your local council will likely have its own version of the scheme going.
You should get in contact with your own local authority to find out more.
Energy supplier grants – £1,500
Energy suppliers are also offering cash grants to those hardest hit by high energy prices.
You’ll need to contact your supplier directly to see what they offer, what the eligibility requirements are, and how much you can get.
British Gas, E.ON, Octopus and Ovo all offer grants worth hundreds of pounds.
For example, British Gas Energy Trust pays hard-up households up to £1,500 – and it doesn’t matter if they’re not a British Gas customer.
If you don’t know who your supplier is, you can find out using the Ofgem supplier search tool on its website.
Here’s a list of schemes open right now:
British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family FundBritish Gas Energy TrustEDF Customer Support FundE.ON and E.ON Next GrantsOctopus Energy Assist FundOVO EnergyScottish Power Hardship Fund
Cold weather payments – worth up to £75
When temperatures plummet those in low-income households can get a £25 payment.
These cold weather payments have already been made in several locations where residents have experienced below-zero weather.
The payment is made automatically, including to those on Universal Credit, for each seven-day period of low temperatures between November 1 and March 31.
In the coldest areas three £25 payments have been made so far this winter, adding up to £75 in total.
Fuel vouchers – worth £50
If you’re on a prepayment meter you might be able to get a one-off voucher to top up.
The fuel voucher scheme comes via the Fuel Bank Foundation charity, and it’s offered through a range of organisations, like food banks and Citizens Advice.
The best place to start to find somewhere which can offer you a fuel voucher is by asking your local council – you can find yours via gov.uk by searching your postcode.
The voucher should help you cover around two weeks’ worth of electricity use.
Some energy companies may also issue their own vouchers, so ask your supplier directly.
Emergency credit – worth £10
Energy companies usually offer emergency credit, though you will have to pay this back.
British Gas recently doubled the amount customers can get in an emergency due to the cost of living crisis.
The supplier said households with a top-up key or card will now be able to go £10 into debt before they’re cut off.
Smart meter customers will still have a £5 limit, but the company is looking to roll the increase out to these households too.
How much you get and how it’s applied will depend on who your supplier is.
It might be added to your meter when you fall below a certain amount or you might have to ask for it.
You might get extra if you are vulnerable, for example, if you have a health condition or are over state pension age.
You’ll have to repay the cash next time you top up, but you can speak to your supplier about how much you’ll pay back and over what time.