Households struggling with energy bills are being urged to check whether they can apply for support available through two dedicated schemes.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF), which opened in February, offers £400 to those who don’t have a direct relationship with a domestic electricity supplier.

Typically, this includes farmers, park home residents, houseboats on a fixed mooring and those who live in partly or wholly self-funded care homes.

People who use alternative fuels – such as heating oil, LPG or biomass – to heat their homes are also being urged to make the most of the dedicated Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Funding scheme.

Eligible households can receive £200 under the scheme if they couldn’t receive the support automatically.

Significantly more people are thought to be eligible for support under both schemes than have so far applied, with households able to submit applications until May 31.

Households can get more details and apply via gov.uk or contact a dedicated customer helpline – 0808 175 3287 for EBSS AF applications, and 0808 175 3943 for households who use alternative fuels. 

If someone has previously applied and is unsure why their application has not been successful, they can also contact the relevant helplines for assistance.