Government announces 900,000 households to receive £400 energy support

Around 900,000 households are to receive a £400 in support from the UK Government to help with rising energy bills.

An online portal has opened to help households across England, Scotland and Wales to access the £400, with the payment to be paid directly into people’s bank accounts.

Households without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier, such as those living in park homes and care homes, can now apply on the portal 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.

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.

A dedicated customer helpline is available to assist eligible customers without online access.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said more than £7.2bn has been provided so far to 97% of households across England, Scotland and Wales through monthly instalments, which most households receive automatically in the same way they pay these bills.

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.”