HOUSEHOLDS on older prepayment meters will need to take action to bag the £400 energy bill discount this Autumn.
Around 30 million households in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the energy bill discount.
Those on traditional prepayment meters won’t get the discount automatically.
The £400 energy bill discount will be paid out over a six month period.
The way you’ll receive the £400 payment will differ depending on how you pay for your energy bills.
The discount will be automatic and will be made up of six instalments, starting from October.
But it’s up to energy firms to give out the cash directly to their customers.
Those on credit or smart prepayment meters will not need to do anything to receive the discount.
Energy firms will automatically apply the discount for these customers – whether that’s through their bills or directly on to their smart prepayment meters.
British Gas confirmed yesterday that direct debit customers will get the discount as a cash payment in to their bank account after each monthly bill is taken.
However, those on older “legacy” prepayment meters won’t be able to receive the discount directly.
These customers will need to collect and redeem a discount voucher to take advantage of the £400 energy discount.
It’s vital that your energy supplier has your up-to-date contact details to ensure you’ll receive the vouchers and understand how to redeem it.
How will I get the vouchers?
If you’re on a traditional prepayment meter, you could receive the voucher in two ways.
Some will be given a redeemable energy bill discount voucher in the post.
Others will be sent a special action message (SAMs) in the first week of each month, issued via SMS text or email.
How do I use the vouchers?
To take advantage of the discount you’ll need to actively redeem the vouchers.
Customers will be able to do this at their usual top-up point.
You should receive clearer instructions on how to use and redeem the full value of these vouchers once you get them.
What other help can I get?
If you’re on a prepayment meter you might be able to get a one-off voucher to top up.
The best place to start to find somewhere which can offer you a fuel voucher is by asking your local council – you can find yours via gov.uk by searching your postcode.
If you’re still not sure if you can get a voucher, you can get help from an adviser, Citizens Advice says.
The voucher should help you cover around two weeks worth of electricity use.
Some energy companies may also issue their own vouchers, so ask your supplier directly.
Energy companies usually offer emergency credit, though you will have to pay this back.
How much you get and how it’s applied will depend on who your supplier is.
It might be added to your meter when you fall below a certain amount or you might have to ask for it.
Anyone getting the state pension should also get winter fuel payments worth £100s. Winter fuel payments are a tax-free payment that comes from the government each year and is worth between £100 and £300.
Those claiming certain state benefits should also be entitled to £150 under the Warm Home Discount scheme.
Councils are also offering residents cash support through the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Fund scheme.