The UK Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund is now available for applications.
Most households will have received a £400 discount on their energy bills automatically. For many, particularly in rural areas this will not have been received automatically. The alternative fund will support eligible households who do not receive the discount automatically. You can only make one application per household.
Eligible homes
You may be eligible if your main home is:
- a residential park home
- on a boat on a permanent residential mooring
- on a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site
- part of a heat network without an electricity meter
- in social or private rented accommodation which has a business energy connection or a communal electricity supply
- off the mains electricity or gas grid
- in a care home or assisted living facility and you pay for some or all of your care
- in a separate domestic home within a non-domestic property (such as a farmhouse or a flat above a shop)
Who should apply
You can apply if:
- you pay for the energy your household uses
- you’re applying for your main, permanent home
- you have a fixed address in England, Scotland or Wales
Who cannot apply
Most households get the £400 support automatically. You do not need to apply if you or your landlord:
- has a domestic energy meter
- pay your bills directly to an energy supplier (such as British Gas or EDF)
You cannot apply if you’ve already had Energy Bills Support Scheme payments. This is 6 automatic monthly payments or prepayment meter vouchers of £66 or £67 from your energy supplier, from October 2022.
Where to apply
You can apply for the discount on the UK Government’s website here. Before you start you will need an email address and phone number (if you have one) and your bank account details.
Full information is available on the website.
