Thousands of vulnerable households across Kent will be able to apply for £90 pre-paid energy cards from Thursday as a new round of cost of living support opens.
The help is being delivered through the Government’s Household Support Fund, which is distributed by local councils to support residents struggling with rising household bills.
Kent County Council said applications will open at midday on Thursday January 8 and will be accepted until midday on Thursday February 26.
The council confirmed this will be the final round of the Household Support Fund available to residents in the county.
Funding for the scheme is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on behalf of the Labour Government.
The support is aimed at households facing increased costs, including higher energy bills following price rises from January 1.
Residents who qualify will be able to receive either winter food support or energy support, depending on their circumstances.
The energy option provides a £90 virtual pre-paid card to help pay for household bills.
The council said funding is limited and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Only one award is available per household, and additional applications from the same address will not be approved.
Kent County Council said residents are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid missing out.
To be eligible, applicants must be aged 16 or over.
Thousands of vulnerable Kent households can apply for £90 pre‑paid energy cards from Thursday as new cost‑of‑living support opens
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GETTYThey must also be permanently living in Kent within one of the 12 local authority areas covered by Kent County Council.
The scheme does not cover residents living in Medway, Bexley or Bromley.
Applicants must either be receiving means-tested benefits or have a total household income of £33,000 or less per year.
Households where children receive free school meals are not eligible for this support.
The council said those families will receive help through their child’s school instead.
Successful applicants choosing energy support will receive their £90 virtual pre-paid card by email.
The council said the card can also be used with many other energy suppliers
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The email will be sent by Evouchers.com, and the card can be used to pay electricity, gas or water bills.
Major providers that accept the card include British Gas, EDF, Eon, Bulb and Octopus.
The council said the card can also be used with many other energy suppliers.
For residents without access to the internet or a smartphone, an alternative form of support is available.
Those households can be referred for a food voucher instead of an energy card.
Food vouchers can be sent by post or by email and do not require online security registration.
British Gas are among the major providers who accept the card
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GETTYKent County Council said both individual self-referrals and professional referrals are accepted.
Professional referrals can be made on behalf of residents who need help accessing digital services.
The council said guidance and support for redeeming food or energy cards is available online.
Residents are advised to check eligibility carefully before applying.
Further information about the Household Support Fund and how to apply is available through Kent County Council’s website.