THOUSANDS of households have just weeks left to claim £400 help with energy bills.
The government is urging those on prepayment meters to claim vouchers before it’s too late.
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Millions of households in England, Scotland and Wales have had a £400 energy discount on their bills paid over winter.
The help was paid in instalments worth £66 in October and November, and then £67 between December and March 2023 as a discount on energy bills.
But those on traditional prepayment meters were sent vouchers to redeem at their local top-up point instead.
Over £130million worth of this cash support remains unclaimed and ministers and charities are calling on energy customers to act before it’s too late.
Customers usually had three months to redeem the value of these vouchers before they expire.
To get the credit, customers just need to take their voucher, their top-up key or card and proof of address with them to any Post Office branch.
Amanda Solloway, minister for energy consumers and affordability said: “We’ve made huge strides in getting nearly £650 million from our energy bills support scheme out to prepayment meter customers, often in the homes that need it most.
“Today we are redoubling our efforts to reach anyone who still hasn’t claimed this help, and it’s fantastic to see so many join our final push to spread the word.
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“Tell friends and family or anyone on a traditional prepayment meter to use their vouchers for up to £400 off bills before June 30 – there is still £130 million out there to claim.”
It’s also important to note that those who’ve lost unredeemed vouchers can get them reissued for free.
Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor said: “Any lost, missing or expired vouchers can be reissued, as long as they are redeemed by June 30, 2023.
“If you are on a traditional prepayment meter and haven’t received your vouchers, are unsure of how to redeem them, or need a voucher to be reissued, you should get in touch with your supplier for more information.”
How can I redeem the energy voucher?
If you’re on a traditional prepayment meter, you should have been given redeemable energy bill discount vouchers or special action messages (SAMs) via SMS text, email or post.
These vouchers can be redeemed at a customer’s usual top-up point.
Customers of Bulb, E.ON and E.ON Next, EDF, Octopus, Ovo (and SSE), Scottish Power, Shell Energy, Utilita and Utility Warehouse can choose for their voucher to be redeemed on either their gas or electricity meter.
However, British Gas customers can only redeem their vouchers on their electricity meters.
What other cost of living help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners in June.
You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.
You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.
Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.
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.
