Around 20,000 still to claim Energy Bills Support in Northern Ireland as scheme expires

The energy support vouchers sent out to Northern Ireland homes have now expired - and 20,000 households are thought to have missed out on the money.

Latest figures show that more than 90% of households in Northern Ireland received the much-needed help to meet rising energy costs.

But what can you do if you are yet to redeem your voucher?

Thankfully, there is still a way to get your hands on the £600 - and it is straightforward.

The vouchers originally issued expired on Friday March 31, but if customers have not redeemed them, then they can request a new voucher from their supplier, which can be redeemed at their local Post Office up until June 30.

The money includes a £400 payment as part of a UK-wide support scheme and an additional £200 in recognition of Northern Ireland's dependence on home heating oil.

Electricity companies are being funded directly for the scheme to deliver money to households amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Those who pay their electricity bills by direct debit received the £600 Government support directly into their bank accounts.

However, thousands of others received the payment via a voucher posted to their house to be redeemed at a Post Office.Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway tweeted: "I urge everyone to cash in their existing vouchers if they can, as these expire today.

"If you can’t, just request a replacement voucher from your supplier to be used until 30 June."

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