WITH average household energy bills set to exceed £3,500 come October, it feels like there’s no good financial news.
But help is at hand for millions of struggling people through a range of direct Government support and energy suppliers discounts – if you know how to apply for it.
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Here, as part of our Squeeze Team series, we reveal the free cash you can claim that’s worth up to £2,435.
Energy grants
HARD-UP households may be able to claim up to £1,500 from the British Gas Energy Trust, whether they are British Gas customers or not.
And Scottish Power has up to £750 in individual grants to help settle energy bill debts.
Other providers offer support worth hundreds of pounds — how much you can receive depends on your circumstances.
Apply online via the companies.
Saving: £1,500
Energy bill rebate
THE Government is giving each household a £400 discount that will be paid in six instalments from October until March.
Customers who pay by direct debit will see the discount added to their bills and those with “smart” prepayment devices will see it added to their account. Those with traditional prepayment meters will receive an energy bill voucher.
Saving: £400
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Council tax rebate
SINCE April, 80 per cent of households in tax bands A to D have been entitled to a £150 rebate. Local councils are responsible for determining who is eligible and making payments.
If your council tax is taken by direct debit, you should have received the money.
If you pay via another method, you will need to apply via your local council’s website.
Saving: £150
Household Support Fund
YOU can receive up to £150 to help with food costs or essential bills from your local council, depending on where you live. See your council’s website to check if you can claim money through the Household Support Fund.
Typically, eligible recipients need to already claim council tax support. Additionally, there are welfare assistance schemes available all year round.
Saving: £150
Warm Home Discount
IF you receive benefits from the Government, including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, there could be a further £150 you are entitled to.
The Warm Home Discount is available to many using support services and will made as a one-off discount applied automatically.
The scheme reopens in November this year.
Saving: £150
Cold Weather Payment
WHEN the temperature drops below zero celsius, averaged over seven consecutive days, if you already receive certain benefits you can also get payments of £25 for each qualifying period as part of the Cold Weather Payment.
The money will be automatically paid to your bank account between November and March, and you should get a payment within 14 working days.
Saving: £25
Fuel Vouchers
FOR those using a prepayment meter, there is a one-off £50 payment available through the Fuel Bank Foundation charity.
Check your local government website to find out where to claim yours.
Additionally, energy companies are issuing vouchers too, so contact your supplier to claim.
Saving: £50
Emergency credit
ENERGY companies typically offer emergency credit for people with prepayment meters, although this does need to be paid back.
Some providers automatically add the money to your account when it falls below a certain level, but for others you may need to ask.
You can also discuss repayment options to spread it out over a set period.
Saving: £10
Other benefits
THERE is £15billion of unclaimed benefits each year, missed by people who were unaware of what they were entitled to.
You could receive money through a range of financial assistance including Pension Credit, Income Support and Child Benefit.
Find out if you qualify by visiting your local council’s website.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
