Households who are struggling to pay their energy bills could get up to £750 through a vital support fund.
Millions of people have been left worried about paying their bills amid price hikes, fuel shortages and other cost increases in recent months. With National Insurance rises and increases to food prices, interest rates and council tax, as well as the upcoming 54% rise in the energy price cap, many are facing a heavy financial burden on all fronts.
Read more: The areas of Wales which will be worst hit when energy prices go up
But households struggling to cope with energy debt may be able to get up to £750 to help them, reports the Daily Record.
The British Gas Energy Trust provides two funds which may help those in debt write-off unpaid energy bills - even if they are not a British Gas customer.
However, before you can apply to the Trust for financial support, it stipulates that you should have already contacted your energy supplier, Local Money Advice Agency, or an online debt and money advisor such as Citizens Advice, StepChange or Turn2Us for help and advice.
What is the British Gas Energy Trust winter fund?
British Gas Energy Trust has launched a new £2 million fund to help the most financially vulnerable British Gas customers who are struggling to pay their bills this winter, on top of support already available to them.
The winter fund has been set up in response to the increasing cost of living and rising inflation, including Ofgem’s recent price cap increase.
Through the fund thousands of eligible British Gas customers with fuel debt of £250 to £750 are able to apply for grants to help pay towards their energy bills over the coming months.
The fund will remain open until the end of March or until the full £2 million has been awarded.
Can I still get help if I'm not a British Gas customer?
You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the other British Gas fund - the Individuals and Families fund. Claimants can be a British Gas customer, or a customer from another supplier. However, you should check if your supplier has their own trust fund first.
To be considered for a grant you must meet the following criteria. If you cannot tick all boxes your application will not progress to assessment:
- You live in Scotland, England 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 do not have savings above £1,000
- You have received help from a money advice agency
- You must be in or facing fuel poverty
In order to support your application, the Trust will need the following:
- 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 haven’t received money advice in the last three months visit the Money Advice Service here to find your nearest advice agency before applying.
- Proof of all household income
- A meter read for your gas and/or electric account (if you're a British Gas customer)
- A bill based on actual readings dated within four weeks showing your name, account number or supply address, or 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 (non-British Gas customers)
For more information on how to apply for this support click here.
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