800 complaints have been filed by citizens who have not yet received energy bonuses from the government since the start of the year, according to Belgium's Energy Ombudsman Service.
Multiple reasons have been given for these lost premiums. Energy suppliers are failing to provide necessary information to the FPS Economy, which in turn cannot explain why these bonuses have been withheld.
The system of accessing financial assistance has been deemed difficult for households, which often require more time correct errors highlighted on their initial requests. The ombudsman argues that the current situation is unacceptable as it makes people victim to issues beyond their control.
When contacted by Belga News Agency, FPS Economy acknowledged the difficulties and pointed to the scale of the situation, which makes "it very difficult to absorb the number of requests."
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Regarding hold-ups with the €225 heating oil cheques, the federal agency was unable to pinpoint the exact problem with household data, which is automatically cross-referenced by a computer programme. It encouraged citizens to contact suppliers and check their data carefully as "a new request can be submitted."
However, this will offer little comfort to those affected, with Belgians missing out on these bonuses already asked to re-apply by FPS Economy between January and April 2023. It was reported earlier this year that 20,493 people were yet to receive their €100 heating allowance made available by the Federal Government.
