THOUSANDS of households missing out on the Warm Home Discount could be entitled to free cash to help with their energy bills.
The Warm Home Discount is an annual scheme available to those on the lowest incomes to help with rising energy costs.
GettyHouseholds missing out on the Warm Home Discount can get a cash boost[/caption]
Households in England and Wales don’t need to apply to get the cash and they’ll automatically qualify if they are receiving certain benefits.
But the scheme is slightly different for 159,000 people living in park homes who do not have a direct account with their energy supplier.
Instead, these households can apply for a £150 grant through the charity Charis.
You may qualify for the Park Homes Warm Home Discount if you, or someone in your household, receives one of the following:
Pension CreditIncome related Employment & Support Allowance Income based Job Seekers Allowance Income SupportUniversal Credit showing an earned income between £0 and £1,561 a monthChild Tax Credit by virtue of an award based on an annual income not exceeding £18,723Working Tax Credit by virtue of an award based on an annual income not exceeding £18,723Housing Benefit (or Housing element if receiving Universal Credit)Or the Total Gross annual household income across everyone living in your household is below £18,723 (before tax and deductions)
If you think you could be eligible, you can apply by filling in a form on the Charis website.
The charity said the form should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.
But it’s important to be aware that applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis, and once all funding is allocated, the scheme will be closed.
The scheme is open now, so it’s best to get in there early if you think you may be eligible.
If your application is successful, a payment of £150 will be made directly into your bank or building society account by March 31, 2024.
What other energy bill support is there?
A number of energy firms offer struggling customers grants if they can’t afford to pay their bills.
British Gas, Scottish Power and Octopus Energy all offer help worth up to £1,500.
You should contact your supplier to see what help is available.
Meanwhile, you might be able to get help paying for your energy bills via the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The fund is worth £842million and has been distributed among local councils in England who are allocating it based on their own criteria.
That means what help you can get varies depending on where you live but in most cases you’ll receive help if you are on benefits or a low income.
Some local authorities are handing out energy vouchers while others are paying money directly into bank accounts.
You should contact your local council to see if you can get any help.
You can find out what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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