British Gas is offering up to £1,500 off energy bills to struggling households regardless of which supplier they are with for their gas and electricity. In some special cases, even larger amounts could be given out to stop people falling deep into fuel poverty this autumn and winter.
As reported by Birmingham Live, cash help comes on top of Government schemes such as the £400 energy bills rebate to be paid over six months from October and a £300 boost to the Winter Fuel Payment. And while other energy providers such as Octopus offer support to their customers, British Gas runs two different schemes and for one of those you don't even need to be a British Gas customer.
Here's all you need to know. British Gas says individuals and families can apply for grants to clear domestic gas and electricity debts. But make sure you seek professional money or debt advice first as you'll need to prove you've done this on your application.
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1. 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.
2. British Gas Energy Support Fund
The British Gas Energy Trust also runs an energy support fund to help the most financially vulnerable British Gas customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills.
This fund has been set up in response to the increasing cost of living and rising inflation, including Ofgem’s most recent price cap increase. Through the fund, thousands of eligible British Gas customers with fuel debt of £250 to £750 can apply for grants to help pay their energy bills over the coming months.
The fund will remain open until all the money invested has been awarded and you can apply here.
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