Online applications have opened to allow 900,000 households across the UK access to £400 of energy bill support from the Government.

Households without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier, such as those living in park homes and care homes, can now apply to receive the support as a one-off, non-repayable lump sum under the ‘alternative funding’ route of the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF).

For those without online access, a dedicated customer helpline is available to assist eligible customers.

The alternative funding route is the latest in a range of targeted measures which are covering around half of a typical household’s energy bills this winter.

Midweek Herald:

Ministers are urging all eligible households to apply as soon as possible for their support, whilst also warning households to stay alert to potential scams and report them to relevant authorities where they are suspected.

You can find the applicaiton portal at Gov.UK.

The government will never provide any links to the application portal, or directly ask individuals to apply for the £400 support.

Those that require additional help when applying for support may wish to seek assistance from a family member or trusted friend.

Minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Amanda Solloway, 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.”

Once customers have applied to receive energy support and their applications have been processed and verified, eligible customers’ details will be shared with Local Authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, who will deliver the support in one lump sum.

Local authorities may request additional information to assist their verification process – but only once an application has been made via the secure portal or helpline.

Applicants will only be able to submit information through these channels and should not contact their local authority.

The exact date that an eligible household will receive support will depend on when the application is made and when the payment can be processed by the relevant local authority.