Britons that use alternative fuels such as biomass, heating oil and LPG have just a few weeks to claim a £200 payment towards their energy bills. Most alternative fuel users will have received their Government energy bills payments automatically but those who need to apply have until May to send in their application.
Households have to provide evidence they have purchased alternative fuels with the period of time applicants can evidence their purchases previously extended by three months, as far back as June 2022 rather than September 2022.
The criteria were extended to ensure individuals who bought fuel in bulk ahead of the winter can get the £200 energy bill support.
The expansion of the timeframe was brought in as ministers decided many households would have purchased fuel ahead of winter price increases, and people should not be “penalised” for this.
The number of receipts a household can submit in claiming the Alternative Fuel Payment was also previously extended from two to 10.
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Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps said: “We have already stepped in and paid half of a typical household energy bill, but we also always want to make sure support gets to those who need it.
“That’s why today we’re again stepping in to make sure those households using heating oil, LPG, biomass and more, can submit receipts for fuel purchases as far back as June 2022, because we recognise many households will have bought ahead of winter.”
A person may be eligible for the Alternative Fuel Payment if their household is not connected to the mains gas grid and if they use alternative fuels as their main form of heating.
A household may not have received the payment automatically if their home is in an area mainly connected to the gas grid, or if the property is not connected to the gas or electricity grid.
Energy minister, Amanda Solloway, said: “We will always stand by consumers and families who have been hit by the impact of Putin’s illegal war on Ukraine.
“Today we have gone one step further in extending our support to users of heating oil, LPG, biomass and more, to make sure all those in need of assistance with bills are able to access it.
“Most will have got this automatically, but for those needing to apply – if you haven’t done so already, I urge you to put in your application to get the £200 support you’re entitled to.”
Britons have also been encouraged to check if they are entitled to receive other cost of living support from the Government.
All households in England, Scotland and Wales with a direct domestic energy supply received a £400 energy bills discount.
The discount was paid in six instalments with the final amount paid in March meaning energy bills for millions of Britons went up this month, even with the Government’s energy price guarantee capping average energy bills at £2,500 a year.
Many people will have received the discount automatically but those on traditional prepayment meters were sent vouchers instead. These have to be redeemed at the Post Office or at a PayPoint outlet.
Individuals may want to note the vouchers only last for three months after they are issued meaning the final ones can only be used until June 30.
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