Energy support vouchers worth £400 are going unclaimed

The unclaimed vouchers began on 1 October when households should have begun to receive their first instalment as part of the government's Energy Bill Support Scheme. 

However, figures from the one in-store payment company have shown that only half of the expected value has been claimed. 

But now a government spokesperson has told customers to apply their credit to their meter as soon as possible. 

A person turning their heating down (Image: PA)

The credit is part of the Energy Bill Support scheme that was first announced back in May and applies to England, Wales and Scotland. 

The scheme means that everyone's energy bill will be cut by £400, applied over six months with reductions of £66 in October and November and then £67 every month between December and March next year. 

People that use prepayment meters need a topping-up key or card with the energy bill help coming in the form of vouchers. 

Warning as £400 energy support vouchers going unclaimed

But now the payment company, PayPoint has told BBC News that is expected to process 800,000 vouchers worth £52.8 million in October. 

However, the business shared that only £27 million had been redeemed. 

Now PayPoint and fuel poverty charities are urging those eligible to go through their post in case they've missed the delivery. 

It comes as the vouchers are only vailed for 90 days and once expired can not be claimed. 

READ MORE: Energy Bill Support Scheme: How will the £400 energy payment be paid?

The vouchers are being sent out by post, email or text and can be redeemed with the Post Office and Payzone. 

In the UK more than four million people have a prepayment meter, with nearly half on the older, non-smart meter according to the energy watchdog Ofgem.

You can view the full list of government support available in our explainer here.

Your Money Matters

Your Money Matters is a campaign launched by us and our sister titles across Newsquest to help you overcome the surge in the cost of living. This year has seen a whole host of household price increases — from the energy price cap rise to surging inflation and food prices — costing your family hundreds or even thousands of pounds extra per year.

We’re making it our mission to look out for your cash, offering money-saving deals, competitions, giveaways and insightful stories from your community on the impact this cost-of-living crisis is having on our readers.

The worldwide energy crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine invasion, the financial impact of the Covid pandemic, record inflation figures and a surge in the cost of goods, fuel and travel means we will all feel the pinch. Through our newspaper, we want to do what we can to help make your cash go further because we know your money matters.