Help with your energy bills
The Government have launched two new schemes to help households with energy bills.
Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF)
The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) is providing support of £400 for energy bills for households in England, Scotland, and Wales without a direct relationship to a domestic electricity supplier. This support is provided by His Majesty’s Government and is delivered by local authorities. The scheme is now open to all eligible households across Great Britain until 31 May 2023.
Eligibility
Subject to applications meeting the eligibility criteria, people who will be able to receive support under EBSS AF include:
- care home residents and others in care facilities/sheltered accommodation (wholly or partly self-funded)
- park home residents, houseboats and caravans that can provide proof of address
- social and private tenants who pay for energy through a landlord on a commercial supply
- homes on a heat network/private wire
- off-grid homes
- farmhouses used for wholly domestic purposes
How to apply
If you are eligible for EBSS AF, you will need to fill out a short online form via the GOV.UK website. This form can be found by searching “Apply for energy bill support if you do not get it automatically” into the search bar on GOV.UK or an internet search engine. Applications are made directly to His Majesty’s Government, not to or via Local Authorities. If you do not have online access, you can apply via a contact centre on 08081753287 where a representative will guide you through the application process.
Once you have applied, your application will be processed and verified. After this if your application is successful, your details will be shared with local authorities, who will deliver the one-off, nonrepayable support. The payment will be made directly into your bank account in a single instalment.
Further information can be found on GOV.UK.
Please do not contact us directly to make an application for this scheme.
If you are eligible for the payment, your payment details will be shared with our Council Tax team to confirm your home address, verify your application and make the payment.
Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund (AFP AF)
The Government have a scheme for those with alternative fuels. See GOV.UK for alternative fuels energy costs.
Payment of the energy schemes
Beware of scammers asking for bank details to receive energy payments. We will never ring and ask you to tell us your bank details over the phone.
Overdraft information
Where payments are made directly to bank accounts, there is a chance the lenders could offset it against overdrafts or other bills. Check how eligible households can exercise their first right of appropriation on payments.
Page last reviewed: 02 March 2023
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