The Government have announced several things that are going to help with the rising costs of energy bills.
Council Tax Rebate
If you live in Council Tax bands A to D in England you should have received £150 back from your Council Tax bill.
For most people the rebate is automatic, however if you don't pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit then get in touch with your council:
Anyone not eligible for the council tax rebate will be able to access support through their council, with councils being given £144 million of discretionary funding for this. This fund can also be used for people on lower incomes living in Band E-G properties.
Vulnerable households can also find financial support through a number of targeted schemes including the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments. Additionally, most energy providers offer a Warm Home Discount to those eligible. Please see the "More help with Energy Bills" page.
Household Support Fund
£1.5 billion has been made available to support the most vulnerable to cover their essential daily costs, like energy bills. You can find out more from your local council:
Dorset Council Cost of Living Help
BCP Council Cost of Living Help
Cost of Living Payment
Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year.
This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in July and another in the autumn.
Disability Cost of Living Payment
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
Check if you're eligible for the Disability Cost of Living Payment here: Check Now
Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills.
This winter, they will also receive an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment per household, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Check if you're eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment here: Check Now
Energy Bill Discount
£400 will be taken off your energy bill from October if you live in Great Britain. This is an automatic grant, which does not need to be paid back and requires no action.
Park Home Residents
Michael is aware that some residents who do not have their own contracts with electricity companies (for example Park Home Owners) are concerned about how to get this discount, and he has raised this with Ministers.
BE AWARE: There is a scam circulating where you are sent a text, and asked to complete a form in order to get your energy rebate. This is not from Ofgem. You will never be texted by Ofgem to sign up to anything in order to get money or a rebate.