Government Opens £400 Energy Bill Support for 900,000 Households
From today, nearly one million households across England, Scotland, and Wales can apply for a one-off £400 energy bill boost. This fresh wave of Government support targets those without a direct deal with electricity suppliers, including residents in park homes and care homes.
Who Qualifies for the Help?
- Households without a direct electricity supplier contract
- People living in park homes, care homes, or off-grid properties
- Those on commercial energy contracts
If you don’t have internet access, a dedicated helpline has been launched to help you apply by phone. Payments will be made straight into bank accounts to get cash to households faster.
Half of Winter Energy Bills Covered by Government
The £400 support is part of the Energy Bills Support Scheme – Alternative Funding route (EBSS AF) that’s already covered about half of typical winter bills with over £7.2 billion paid to 97% of households across the UK.
Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, 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.”
Beware Scams: Only Apply Through Official Channels
Ministers warn households to stay sharp. The Government will never send direct links or ask for applications via email or phone. If you need help applying, get a trusted family member or friend to assist. Always use the official secure portal or helpline.
What’s Next?
- Local authorities will process applications and pay eligible households in one lump sum.
- Households may be asked for extra info but only after applying through official channels.
- Payments depend on application timing and local authority processing.
- The Alternative Fuel Payment – £200 for off-grid heating users – will go live by 6th March, supporting people using heating oil, biomass, or LPG.
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will soon thank local councils for their efforts and push for speedy application processing to stop delays.
Ongoing Cost of Living Support
On top of the EBSS, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee is saving households an average £900 this winter by slashing electricity and gas unit costs. The EPG will continue into April 2024, providing around £500 support next year as energy prices stay high.
For vulnerable families, an extra £1,200 in direct payments is planned this year, backed by £26 billion of targeted help announced by the Chancellor for the next financial year.
This range of measures aims to ease the energy burden for millions amid soaring living costs.
