Thousands of people could get free fuel vouchers using little-known scheme – are you eligible?

HOUSEHOLDS across the country are struggling with energy costs including millions on prepayment meters.

A little-known scheme could offer help to anyone struggling to top up and keep the lights on.

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Over 4million homes are on prepayment meters where they pay in advance for the energy they use, rather than being billed later on.

With pay-as-you-go, you top up gas and electric using a key, card or app.

Those on prepayment meters are often among the lowest income households.

Record numbers of people are self-disconnecting – that’s when you don’t top up – because of rising costs leavng them without essentials like hot water.

Anyone on a prepayment meter who is struggling to top up could get a one-off voucher to help.

Andy Shaw from Stepchange previously told The Sun: “Energy suppliers are able to provide people with vouchers that they can use for their meters.

“You can also get them through some food banks and other local support organisations and the eligibility criteria is usually the same – you’ll need to have been been referred by an advice provider, GP or similar.”

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 when looking for help is your local council – you can find yours via gov.uk by searching your postcode.

If you’re still not sure if you can get a voucher, you can get help from an adviser, Citizens Advice says.

The voucher should help you cover electricity use for a certain period of time.

The value of the fuel vouchers can vary and how long it lasts can depend on your usage.

Some energy companies may also issue their own vouchers, so ask your supplier directly.

You won’t have to pay back the money.

If you get a fuel voucher, don’t forget that when you top up, come of the credit will go towards paying off any debt, for example emergency credit.

If you haven’t topped up for a period of time, you may also owe standing charges, a daily flat fee for energy use that is separate to your usage.

More help with energy bills

If you’re worried about paying bills, falling behind or are in debt, there are plenty of organisations where you can seek advice for free, including:

You should speak to your supplier if you’re struggling.

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 from £5 to £10.

How much you get and how it’s applied will depend on who your supplier is.

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.

Suppliers also offer grants and extra cash through charitable funds.

You could get money through this if you’re struggling and you won’t have to pay it back.

For example, British Gas and Octopus both have funds to help households who are struggling to pay.

What’s available depends on your supplier, and not all offer them while others may have closed applications due to high demand.

Other organisations including charities can also help you pay some or all of your bill, or pay off arrears.

There are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that offer cash to help struggling families.

Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.

Cancer charity Macmillan recently made an extra £3.5million of grants available to those living with cancer.

It’s also worth checking you’re getting all the benefit’s you’re entitled to, especially if you’ve had a change of circumstances.

Local councils are giving out cash to help households struggling with bills and other essential costs, through the Household Support Fund.

You can find what’s availble where you are and how to apply by using the search tool on gov.uk – just enter your postcode.

Local councils also offer welfare assistance schemes all year round that can help you with bills.

Around 80% of households will get a £150 council tax rebate to help with the rising cost of energy bills.

You will be eligible if you live in a property in council tax bands A to D, but anyone who is not eligible might be able to get the same amount through a discretionary fund.

You can check with your local council directly to find out how to get either payment where you are.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk