Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert issues urgent warning with just days left to claim up to £400 free cash for energy bills

MARTIN Lewis' MoneySavingExpert is warning households to act now to get £400 free cash to help with energy bills as the deadline looms.

MoneySavingExpert (MSE) is urging those on prepayment meters to claim the vouchers which expire in just a few days' time.

Millions of households in England, Scotland and Wales benefited from a £400 discount on their energy bills, which was paid over winter.

The help was paid in instalments worth £66 in October and November, and then £67 between December and March 2023 as a discount on energy bills.

But those on traditional prepayment meters were sent vouchers to redeem at their local top-up point instead.

More than £100million worth of vouchers are still yet to be claimed, with just days to go until the June 30 deadline.

The team at Martin Lewis' MSE said: "If you have a non-smart (traditional) prepayment meter, you need to actively redeem the vouchers you've been sent.

"All vouchers, regardless of when they were issued, have to expire by 11.59pm on June 30, 2023 – as that's when the scheme officially ends."

Customers usually have three months to redeem the value of these vouchers before they expire.

To get the credit, customers just need to take their voucher, their top-up key or card and proof of address with them to any Post Office branch.

It's also important to note that those who've lost unredeemed vouchers can get them reissued for free, but they must be redeemed by June 30 - when the scheme officially comes to an end.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) has also said that given many prepayment meter users are on a low income, the £400 is a lifeline.

NEA chief executive Adam Scorer said: “We urge anyone who hasn’t yet claimed their vouchers to do so before the June 30 deadline and, if you have friends and family that may not have used their vouchers, spread the word.

“It may be the support that keeps their lights on, their oven cooking, their hot showers running, through the summer. It’s vital money at a time when it’s never been needed more.”

How can I redeem the energy voucher?

If you're on a traditional prepayment meter, you should have been given redeemable energy bill discount vouchers or special action messages (SAMs) via SMS text, email or post.

These vouchers can be redeemed at a customer's usual top-up point.

Customers of Bulb, E.ON and E.ON Next, EDF, Octopus, Ovo (and SSE), Scottish Power, Shell Energy, Utilita and Utility Warehouse can choose for their voucher to be redeemed on either their gas or electricity meter.

However, British Gas customers can only redeem their vouchers on their electricity meters.

What other cost of living help is available?

Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.

The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.

Meanwhile, a £150 payment and between £150-£300 payment has started to be paid to to millions with disabilities and pensioners.

You may be entitled to the £150 disability cost of living payment if you receive any of the following benefits:

• Attendance Allowance
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance for adults
• Disability Living Allowance for children
• Personal Independence Payment
• Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
• Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• War Pension Mobility Supplement

Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.

You will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 25, 1957.

Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October and November telling them how much money to expect.

Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you're struggling.

Here's a list of schemes open right now:

• British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
• British Gas Energy Trust
• EDF Customer Support Fund
• E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
• Octopus Energy Assist Fund
• OVO Energy
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund

There's a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment meter.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.