Government gives update on when households will receive £400 energy bill discount

The government has given an update on when households can expect to receive their £400 energy bill discount.

Back in May, Rishi Sunak announced that the controversial £250 ‘loan’ would be replaced with a £400 non-repayable grant to help towards the soaring cost of energy bills.

This £400 discount will be handed out by suppliers to ensure that households will get the financial support they need during the winter months when energy usage will be at its highest.

And now, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided an update on when people can expect to receive their energy bill discount.

In a social media post this week, the DWP revealed that the energy discount will be paid automatically over six months from October 2022.

It also outlined other grants available, including the £150 council tax rebate and the £650 cost of living payment for vulnerable households and benefit claimants.

The £400 discount will be handed out in a variety of different ways, depending on how people pay their energy bills. This includes the following: 

Direct Debit.

Customers who pay their bills via direct debit will receive the payment as an automatic reduction to the monthly direct debit amount, or as a refund to the customer’s bank account each month.

Standard credit/payment card.

The £400 discount will be applied automatically as a credit to standard credit customers accounts in the first week of each month.

Smart prepayment meters.

Customers using a smart prepayment meter will see the discount be credited directly to their meters in the first week of each month of delivery.

Traditional payment meters.

The discount will be provided via redeemable vouchers or Special Action Messages issued via SMS text, email or post.

Visit the Department for Work and Pensions website for more information and to see which benefits you’re applicable for.