personal finance

Millions eligible for £200 free cash for energy bills but deadline looms – how to claim


Millions of Britons have until May 31 to claim up to £200 free cash from the Government.

The cash boost is given out via the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) scheme, which aims to support the two million people across the UK who live off-grid.

The AFP is part of the Government’s energy bill support scheme to help Britons with the soaring prices over the winter months.

Britons who use alternative sources such as heating oil, biomass and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), instead of mains gas are urged to claim the extra cash if they have not received it.

The scheme was extended until May 31 in a bid to get more people who may be struggling to claim the cash.

Many eligible households would have started receiving their payments from the start of February into their account if paying by direct debit.

Those paying by standard credit should have had £200 added to their energy account.

However, a small minority of customers, such as those living in park homes or on static houseboats with no direct energy supplier, will need to apply to receive the payment.

‌Who is eligible for the £200 Alternative Fuels Payment?

Britons eligible include:

  • In a residential park home
  • On a boat on a permanent residential mooring
  • On a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site
  • In social or private rented accommodation which has a business energy connection or a communal electricity supply
  • Off the mains electricity or gas grid
  • Part of business property (such as a farm or a flat above a shop)

People can apply via the Gov.uk website or call 0808 175 3287.

To apply, individuals should have:

  • Their email address or phone number
  • Their bank details
  • Their alternative fuel receipts or other proof that you’ve been using it within the allotted time period

Britons can submit up to 10 receipts when applying for the £200 payment.

Once applied for, claimants should be sent an email or letter within six weeks with the decision.

The claimant will get the money directly in their bank account if successful.

As the cost of living crisis continues, Britons are urged to claim all the benefits and financial help being offered by the Government.

For example, millions of people are eligible for the £900 cost of living payments. Eligible people have already received the first instalment worth £301. Millions on means-tested benefits are entitled to the benefit.

This includes:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
  • Universal Credit

For more information, people can visit the Government website.





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