British Gas is offering £1,500 off energy bills to customers from different suppliers who are struggling to meet their costs. The company is offering the scheme to anyone including non-British Gas customers who are struggling to afford their bills in order to prevent people from falling into fuel poverty later this year.
It was revealed on Friday that the energy price cap is set to rise by 80% in October, from £1,971 to £3,549 per year for average household use. The price cap already soared by 54% in April, and experts have warned prices could go even higher next year. You can read more about the energy price cap and the support available if you can't pay bills here.
British Gas is offering up to £1,500 off energy bills to struggling households who are with any supplier for their gas and electricity, the Daily Record reports. In most cases, grants of up to £1,500 could be provided for those whose applications are successful. Here's what you need to know about British Gas' help scheme.
Read more: Energy bills to soar as major Ofgem price cap rise announced - live updates
What is the British Gas Individuals and Families Fund?
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for this fund – you could be with another supplier but you should check if they have their own hardship fund first. In most cases, grants of up to £1,500 could be provided for those whose applications are successful.
British Gas explained: "Once you have sought advice, the British Gas Energy Trust may be able to provide a grant if you are struggling to pay off gas or electricity debt. Please note grants over £1,500 will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
"As part of your application, we will want to understand how you will be able to manage your energy costs in future. This is why it's so important to ensure you have sought professional money advice before applying, as there may be other routes which are more suitable for your situation.
"Our debt relief grants are available to both British Gas customers and customers of other energy suppliers. If you are struggling with domestic gas and electricity debts owed to British Gas or other suppliers you can apply for a grant from us to clear that debt."
To be considered for a grant you must meet the following criteria:
- You live in England, Scotland or Wales
- You have not received a grant from the British gas Energy Trust within the last two years
- You must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account in your name or be a member of that household, the energy account must relate to your main residence
- You have electric and/or gas debt
- You must be in or facing fuel poverty
- You have received help from a money advice agency
If you have previously applied and been unsuccessful you can re-apply if your circumstances have changed. British Gas also adds that although you don't need to be one of its energy customers to apply, the majority of the grant budget is set aside for people who are with them.
The following information will be needed on your application:
- Proof of money advice received in the last three months such as a letter confirming the advice provided, a standard financial statement and/or personal action plan). If you have not received money advice in that timeframe, you'll need to do this now by finding your nearest advice agency before applying
- Proof of all household income
- British Gas customers need to provide a meter reading for their gas and/or electric account (unless you have a smart meter).
- Those with other energy companies must provide a bill based on actual readings dated within four weeks, showing their name, account number or supply address. Alternatively, you can send an email from your energy supplier dated within four weeks that confirms your name, account number, supply address, outstanding balance and confirmation the balance is based on actual readings
Once you've got all those details ready, you can apply to the British Gas individuals and families fund here. To get the latest money news straight to your inbox subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
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