The cost of living crisis is having a huge impact on household bills especially energy usage.
A lack of cheap deals has left roughly 22 million families on the standard price cap rate, which is reviewed twice a year by energy regulator Ofgem. But the price cap has risen drastically meaning that even the cheapest option is still too expensive for some homes.
While the government has confirmed every home in England, Scotland and Wales will get £400 off their energy bills - as part of a wider £15billion cost of living package - some households are still finding it difficult not to fall into debt. However, there is help available from certain energy providers, reported The Mirror.
READ MORE: Scottish Power, E.ON and Ovo hardship funds which are offering up to £140 grants
Energy giant British Gas is offering eligible households a grant to help them get back on track with their bill payments. The British Gas Energy Trust offers grants worth up to £1,500 for households with an energy debt between £250 to £750.
This opens on July 1 and is also available for non- British Gas customers.
Who is eligible for the British Gas Energy Trust?
To be eligible you:
- You live in England, Scotland or Wales
- You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 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 do not have savings above £1,000
- You have received help from a money advice agency
How to apply for the British Gas Energy Trust?
To apply for the grant, British Gas customers will need the following:
- Proof of money advice received in the last three months – individuals and families fund only
- Proof of all household income – including three recent consecutive wage slips or benefit statement less than a year old
- A meter read for your gas and/or electricity account – if you’re a British Gas customer – or your most recent gas and electricity bill
You can apply for the British Gas Energy Trust grant here
British Gas Energy Support Fund eligibility
British Gas also runs its British Gas Energy Support Fund which is purely for British Gas customers. This offers grants worth between £250 and £750 and is open now. To be considered for this help, you must meet you following eligibility criteria:
- You live in England, Scotland or Wales
- 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 between £250 to £750
- You do not have savings above £1,000
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