Chances are, you may still be struggling to keep on top of your energy bill payments. This remains true for so many in this nation during this time of deep uncertainty. Can I get help with my energy bills? Fortunately, the government are finally stepping up again in the form of the Energy Bill Support Scheme.
After the success of the Demand Flexibility Service, they are offering some financial support for those who are struggling. With this rebate, households in the UK should be able to keep themselves and their families satisfied. Hopefully, this will mean being able to keep the lights on at least for the time being.
What is this scheme called?
This initiative has been coined as the “Energy Bill Support Scheme” or “EBSS”. There is also the “Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Fund” (EBSS AF) to consider too.
When does this scheme begin and end?
This scheme goes all the way back to October of last year (2022) for some households so this isn’t exactly new. The program will be available until the 31st of May.
Although, if successful, this could easily be extended. The same thing has happened with other government schemes in the past.
Energy Bill Support Scheme Application Form
One should be able to apply for this rebate on the internet. Applicants need to go through an online portal within the government website. Is there an Energy Bill Support Scheme contact number? On the other hand, there is also a helpline so that you can phone up.
It is mainly for claimants who don’t have internet access or just need further assistance. There are two different phone numbers that you can call depending on where you are located.
One is for citizens of Great Britain (0808 175 3287). The other phone line is for those living in Northern Ireland (0808 175 3894). Both of these help lines are open Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm. For some, you might need to get in touch with your energy provider first, before you can claim this.
You don’t necessarily have to apply for this personally yourself if there is something stopping you. With your consent, you can arrange to have a friend or family member to do it for you by proxy.
How to claim Energy Bill Support Scheme
When filling out your online application form, be sure to have the following personal details at the ready:
- bank account information
- email address
- landline or mobile phone number
In some case, the government may require you to provide copies of a tenant’s agreement or bank statement. This is often needed in order to show proof of your home address. Be aware that they may use council tax information to review and verify your application.
Am I eligible for Energy Bill Support Scheme?
There are roughly 900,000 British households left who qualify for this scheme right now. Once the scheme has run its course, it is projected that 29 million households (give or take) will benefit in total.
Since the initiative began, around 7.2 billion worth of financial support has been distributed across 97% of the UK. The most vulnerable applicants won’t need to go out of their way to claim this benefit. In this case, they will openly offer this to you anyway.
If you rent your home, you might need to have a word with your landlord. This is relevant if you pay your energy bills together as part of your entire rent payment.
Is there an Energy Bill Support Scheme for business? This claim isn’t just for residential buildings like houses and apartments. Commercial units and dedicated business premises will be able to apply for this program as well.
How will the Energy Bill Support Scheme be paid?
It was initially reported that people could only get a £400 rebate. However, this could potentially go up to £600 for some households depending on their circumstances. You will likely receive this in the form of a Energy Bill Support Scheme discount voucher.
Is there a Energy Bill Support Scheme in Northern Ireland? If you live in Northern Ireland, you may also be entitled to this extra £200 on top of the initial amount. Residents of Northern Ireland are often more reliant on the use of heating oil. The additional money is to compensate for that, essentially.
How does the EBSS AF work exactly?
This alternative fund offers a one time lump sum payment to those with unusual living conditions. For the standard EBSS, you need to have a direct transaction on an individual basis with your energy supplier in order for this to work.
This means people who do not fulfil this criteria will need to go down the EBSS AF route instead. These are typically the folks who currently inhabit:
- hotels
- motorhomes and camper van living
- care homes
- caravans and mobile park homes owners
- yachts, barges and house boats
- any other off grid accommodation of that nature
Furthermore, applicants will get an additional £200 alternative fuel payment if they mainly depend on the use of:
- liquified petroleum gas (LPG)
- heating oil
- coal
Who is missing out on the government funded Energy Bill Support Scheme?
Sadly, not all eligible households have taken advantage of this offer for whatever reason. Additionally, it is estimated that approximately 1.9 million homes have chosen not to get onboard with this scheme. Nevertheless, there is still a big opportunity and plenty of time to change this.
Scams
You should be made aware that various scammers are attempting to make money from this scheme. For this reason, be extra careful who you give your personal information to. Also, be very cautious if somebody corresponds with you first rather than you going to them.
For example, you might get a text message about Energy Bill Support Scheme 2023. Apparently, there is also a fake Energy Bill Support Scheme email scam going around. Similarly, it’s smart to always do your homework beforehand.
This initiative is welcome news to so many UK residents (especially disabled people and low-income families). As you might have noticed, the price of gas and electricity is showing no signs of decreasing.
Many argue there is so much more the government could be doing for people in terms of the cost of living. For the most part, this is true. It also calls into question the greed of some of these energy suppliers. This is more obvious when you simply glance at the record profits that are being reported as of recently.
If you want to make a habit of saving money then I would strongly recommend using rewards platforms such as SwagBucks. Not only can you use this website to get cashback on your shopping. You can also earn gift cards and vouchers by completing paid surveys online.
You can learn so much more about methods of saving money on energy by checking out savethestudent and skintdad. Do you believe that you are entitled to a government rebate on your energy bills? On the whole, what are your overall thoughts on the UK Energy Bill Support Scheme?
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