British Gas has reopened its hardship fund from today, offering grants of up to £1,500 to any household struggling with soaring energy bills.
The British Gas Energy Trust for Individual and Families closed in the spring but is now open to new applications from people struggling with their energy debts. While anyone can apply for the grant - you don't have to be a British Gas customer - one of the main criteria to get help is you have to prove you have sought money advice in the three months prior to applying.
You also need to be in debt to your energy supplier to be eligible and have no more than £1,000 in savings. The final criteria you need to apply is that you must not have received a grant from the Energy Trust within the past two years. The full criteria and details on how to apply can be found on the British Gas Website, and those those applying will need proof of money advice received, proof of their household income and their most recent gas and electricity bill. The easiest way to apply is through a charity such as National Energy Action or Citizens Advice.
Now read: Petrol prices in North East are least affordable in the UK
The fund opened today and there is currently no closing date, although once all funding has been used it will be closed to new applications. The energy provider also operates the £6m British Gas Energy Support Fund for its customers only, which offers grants of between £250 and £750.
Other energy companies are also offering help with bills, including:
Bulb Energy
Although it collapsed last year, Bulb’s Energy Fund is still offering advice and financial support to customers who need help with their energy costs. It is hoping to start providing £140 grants to help with energy costs, a debt write-off of up to £2,000, or replacement household appliances in the Autumn.
EDF Energy
EDF has a Warm Home Discount and a Customer Support Fund with £6.4m for customers who were in debt or financial difficulties earlier this year. The money can be used for energy costs or to buy more energy-efficient white goods. EDF customers must first register from EDF Priority Services on the Let’s Talk website.
Octopus Energy
The £5m Octo Assist Fund offers options “based on circumstances and need”, including grants of between £50 and £500. Customers should fill out Octopus’s Financial Support form to get personalised support for their energy bills.
E.ON
E.ON’s Next Energy Fund is to help vulnerable existing or previous customers of E.ON Energy. The fund is available to pay the energy bill debts of customers and it can also be used to replace household white goods and gas boilers.
Scottish Power
The Scottish Power Hardship Fund can wipe off up to 40 per cent from low-income customers’ debts, capped at £750 per household. The fund is available to those on lower household incomes, particularly those on income support, jobseeker’s allowance, pension credit, employment and support allowance or disability living allowance.
Ovo Energy
The Ovo Energy Fund, in partnership with Plymouth Citizens Advice Bureau, is “currently at capacity” and is not paying any further grants.
Now read:
- Cost of eating out set to rise as pubs and restaurants pass on energy price hike to diners
- New Blyth Tall Ship project to set sail thanks to £636K National Lottery funding
- Blaydon mum who fought 'useless' phone insurance wins £720 payout
- Cost of living: Struggling families are targeted by fast loan scam
- Amazon apologises after fake BowelBabe T-shirts found for sale
