Low-income households to get £150 extra cost of living payment for energy bills over winter – can you claim?

LOW-income households are set to get a £150 extra cost of living payment for energy bills over the winter – here’s how you can claim.

Those receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Council Tax Support are eligible to apply.

North Northamptonshire Council is urging low-income residents who have pre-payment meters, or use “non-standard” fuels, not to miss out on the opportunity for extra support.

The Winter Energy Support is part of the government’s Household Support Fund.

Households who use “non-standard” fuels such as tank or bottled gas, liquid petroleum gas, oil, wood, and solid fuels have been advised to claim the extra bonus.

Those who are benefits such as Council tax Support, Housing Benefit, Income -based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit are urged to apply.  

The total value of all winter support payments awarded to successful households will be £150 in total up to 31 March 2024.

But only one payment for winter energy support will be made per household. 

Those who are successful in their application will receive the payment directly into their bank accounts.

North Northamptonshire Council have stated that to receive the support, applicants must be over the age of 16 and not in full time education.

They must also have the right to work in the United Kingdom, be a resident of North Northamptonshire, not have received Winter Energy Support from North Northamptonshire Council as part of any financial aid award from the Household Support Fund since 1 April 2023, be in receipt of means tested benefits and use a pre-payment meter or non-standard fuel for heating the home.

Within the application, households must provide evidence of their National Insurance number, one month’s full bank statement dated within the last 3 months showing proof of benefits received, and proof of up-front payment for energy dated within the last 3 months.

The simplest way for households to apply for the support payment is to visit the North Northamptonshire council’s website.

They have warned, however, that if you apply for the Winter Energy Support while having already applied for financial aid through the Household Support Fund, then your application will not be approved.

“We are urging people not to miss out on this vital support over the winter months from the government before the end March 2024,” said Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council.

“If you are eligible, or perhaps someone you know, please apply and spread the word,” he added.

It comes as one million people will start receiving a £300 one-off cost of living payment this week.

Households on certain benefits, including Universal Credit, have already started receiving the cash.

But households on tax credits won’t begin to receive the payment until November 10.

Instead, it will be paid by HMRC instead of the DWP between November 10 and 19.

This ensures that those on other benefits and tax credits will not get the payment twice.