Applications open for off-grid household rebates
The government has opened the payment application process for households off the grid. CLA Senior Business & Economics Adviser explains
Households that have to rely on their energy from off the grid can now apply for a £400 rebate to support them from high energy prices.
Eligibility
Households are eligible for the £400 rebate if they do not have an electricity meter or pay an energy company directly, and are living in one of the following:
- A residential park home.
- A boat on a permanent residential mooring.
- In a property that is part of a heat network without an electricity meter.
- Social or private rented accommodation with a business energy connection or communal electricity supply.
- A home that is off the mains electricity or gas grid.
- A care home or assisted living facility and paying for some or all of their care.
- In a separate domestic home within a non-domestic property, such as a farmhouse or a flat above a shop.
- On a permanent gypsy or traveller site.
Non-eligibility
The following categories are not eligible for the rebate if the applicant lives:
- In purpose-built student accommodation.
- In a care home and not paying their own fees.
- In accommodation provided by an employer.
- As a property guardian.
- In business premises, such as a pub or hotel, where the address is the same as the business address.
- On a boat with a continuous cruising licence.
- On a non-permanent caravan or mobile home site.
Applicants will also need to have a bank account in their name to get the £400.
How to apply
Homes will have to apply for the £400 on the government portal or by calling 0808 175 3287.
If successful, the payment will be made through their local council.
If applying yourself, you should then receive a response from the council within six weeks and local authorities will check you do live at the recorded address.
A successful applicant must:
- Pay for the energy their home uses.
- Apply for their main, permanent home.
- Have a fixed address in England, Scotland or Wales.
Given the process being adopted by the government and the checks required, it could be a number of weeks that successful applicants receive the rebate.
