£600 energy support vouchers redeemable in Post Office branches
The vouchers will begin to be issued in mid January
Last updated 30th Dec 2022
Details of how customers in Northern Ireland will receive a £600 pound energy support payment have been outlined by the UK Government.
In December it was announced all households across the country would receive a single £600 payment.
That consists of £400 through the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment.
It has already been announced that people who pay for their energy by direct debit will receive the money directly into their bank accounts.
What if I don’t pay my energy bills by direct debit?
Those on standard credit and prepayment customers will receive a voucher from their energy supplier.
The Government says the vouchers will start to be distributed in mid January and will be redeemable at a Post Office.
Customers on standard credit schemes without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment (keypad) meters, will receive vouchers, with the most vulnerable customers getting priority access.
The voucher will come in the form of letters, will carry badges of the relevant electricity supplier and the UK government, and will contain a barcode.
Customers will not be asked to go online or to provide any details.
The easiest way people can redeem their voucher will be paying the money directly into their bank account by taking their bank card to the Post Office and requesting to deposit.
How can I redeem my voucher I don’t have a bank account?
For those without a bank or credit union account, going to the Post Office and redeeming for cash will be an option – but that will be subject to the branch having the cash available
What ID do I need to bring to the Post Office?
Take the voucher, the letter from their supplier, proof of address and photo ID.
Proof of address needs to be dated before 2 January 2023 to be valid.
The following photographic ID will be accepted:
• valid passport
• valid UK or EU / EEA photo driving licence
• Armed Forces ID card or Police Warrant card
• Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
• Translink SmartPass (Senior / 60+ / War Disabled / Blind Person)
• Asylum ID card
Keypad customers need to bring their keypad app or top up card, in addition to the voucher, proof of address and photo ID.
How long is the voucher valid for?
Vouchers will be valid until 31 March 2023.
What happens if I lose my voucher?
The UK Government says vouchers can be reissued if lost, but customers are urged to redeem them as soon as possible.
Direct debit customers
Customers with a direct debit arrangement with their energy supplier will receive the payment directly to their bank account and will not be provided with vouchers.
Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said the Government is “determined to ensure that whatever their circumstances, every customer in Northern Ireland gets the support they are entitled to.”
He said: “Those without direct debits set up, and those on prepayment meters, will from January start to get these important vouchers which will provide vital help with their bills. Those already paying by direct debit will get the support straight into their bank accounts.
“I would urge those customers getting vouchers to look out for them, and to use them swiftly so they can benefit, and see the impact on their bills as soon as possible.
Welcoming the detail, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said:
“This is welcome news for many Northern Ireland households who do not pay for their electricity via direct debit, and I hope provides further reassurance as we enter the new year.
“I appreciate the hard work from officials and NI stakeholders to overcome the difficulties presented by NI’s energy market, and the absence of the NI Executive, to ensure NI households receive this much needed support this winter.
“While today’s news should give peace of mind to customers in Northern Ireland, Mr Stuart also urged them to beware scams which the government is already aware are being attempted.”
Read More:
Government document outlines more details on NI's £600 energy support payment
£600 energy support payment to be made to NI households in January
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