Urgent warning for thousands of households to claim free £400 energy bill cash direct to bank accounts

THOUSANDS of households have just weeks left to claim free energy bill cash directly to their bank accounts.

It comes three months after the DWP opened up applications for 900,000 households to claim a £400 cash payment.

But thousands of these households only have until May 31 to apply for the free cash.

Over 30million households already received a £400 energy bill discount automatically between October 2022 and March this year.

But the 900,000 who weren’t eligible to receive it automatically have been able to apply for the cash on Gov.UK.

Those that heat their homes through a district heating network or who live in park homes and who haven’t already done so should apply for the free cash.

You’ll also be eligible to apply for the £400 energy bill discount if your main home is:

• 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
• In a care home or assisted living facility and you pay for some or all of your care
• In a separate domestic home within a non-domestic property (such as a farmhouse or a flat above a shop)

If you meet the criteria to apply visit the government website and have your email address, phone number and bank account details to hand.

After you apply, your 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. You should get a response within 6 weeks.

If you’re eligible, your council will arrange a one-off payment. You do not need to repay this money.

What other energy bill help is available?

Certain households are eligible for an extra £200 in free cash to pay for their bills if they use alternative fuels for most of their heating, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil or solid fuel.

While the majority of these payments were credited onto electricity bills automatically in February 2023, thousands still need to apply for the cash.

Those needing to apply mist 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: https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic.

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.

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

There’s a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment meter.