Redress Vouchers
Vouchers for energy bills
Do you need help paying for your electricity and/or gas?
Please check the eligibility criteria below and, if you’re eligible, click on the link below to apply for energy vouchers.
Evidence is required to access the vouchers: details about what evidence is needed are further down the webpage and on the application form.
Please note if you live outside of Bristol or Wiltshire, these vouchers only work with prepayment or pay-as-you-go meters. They will not work with credit meters (that is, they will not work if you pay for your energy by direct debit, standing order, on receipt of bill, etc.).
If you have any questions, read our Frequently asked questions section.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Energy Vouchers, you must:
- have a prepayment or pay-as-you-go meter for either gas or electricity
and at least one of the following points must apply to you or someone in your household:
- Receive a mean-tested benefit.
- Receive a health-related benefit.
- Have a health condition made worse by the cold.
- Be in debt.
- Have a budgeting shortfall (that is, be liable to run up debt, to not be able to heat your home, or not be able to buy food).
The means-tested benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Social Fund (Sure Start Maternity Grant, Funeral Payment, Cold Weather Payment)
Evidence is required to access the vouchers: details about what evidence is needed are below and on the application form.
Evidence required to apply
Evidence is required for us to issue vouchers. You need to attach evidence to the application form in order to submit it. Please have this evidence ready before you complete the form.
You need to provide two pieces of evidence:
- a bank statement (main bank account with name and address, dated within the last six months and showing opening and closing balances. This should have a month’s worth of transactions and ideally show any benefit payments – if applicable).
- a photo of your prepayment meter with meter serial number visible. (The meter serial number is a mix of letters and numbers (or occasionally, just numbers) and is usually found above or below a barcode on the front of the meter — see the image below.)
Both pieces of evidence are required otherwise the application will be rejected and a new application will be required.
Frequently asked questions
How much are the vouchers worth?
Each voucher is worth £49.
How do I know if I have a prepayment meter?
I need to pay for my energy before I am able to use it.
For traditional meters I need to insert a key or a card to have gas or electricity once I have topped up
For smart meters, I pay for my energy beforehand via an app, over the phone, or on the supplier’s website.
How many vouchers can I apply for?
Each household can apply for up to four vouchers for a family, and three vouchers for a single adult.
How long until I receive the vouchers?
It can take a number of weeks before a household receives the vouchers.
Am I eligible for the vouchers?
To check if you’re eligible for the Energy Vouchers, see the eligibility section above.
Is evidence needed for the application?
Yes. For information about what evidence is needed, see the section above about what evidence is required.
How do I apply for the vouchers?
If you are eligible and have your evidence ready, click here to apply for the energy vouchers.
Redress Vouchers 