People claiming benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be eligible for a cash boost from Scottish Power to help cover their energy costs.
Claimants receiving money through benefits such as Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Pension Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance could be eligible for the company's Hardship Fund.
You may also qualify for money if you are in "special circumstances", for example if you have seen a reduction in your income due to illness, as reported by the Daily Express.
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According to Scottish Power, all applications will be looked at to check whether the claimant qualifies for the Hardship Fund. The company also said that the terms and conditions for the fund could change.
The fund is intended for people struggling financially amid the worsening cost of living crisis ahead of the energy price cap rise in October. It can be used to help clear or reduce applicants' arrears or credit their Scottish Power energy account.
The amount of money successful applicants receive depends on their individual circumstances. Before applying, you must have already reached out to a debt agency charity such as StepChange.
StepChange can provide advice on how you can manage your debt and can help you apply for the Hardship Fund if you are eligible.
In order to get the help, claimants will need to apply to Sigma Connected Support, which is the group that delivers the Scottish Power Hardship Fund.
Sigma Connected Support will analyse applicants' individual circumstances to determine how much money they should receive. The group stated that claimants will need to provide “evidence of financial hardship” — such as letters from the DWP.
If it is decided that an applicant qualifies for a full or partial award toward their debt, then their Scottish Power energy account will be credited with the money.
The sum will only be issued after the applicant commits to a payment arrangement plan for their ongoing energy use, after which Sigma Connected Support will get in touch with them to confirm that the money has been transferred.
Applications can also be done over the phone on 0121 285 2595, or by email after downloading the application form on Sigma Connected Support’s website.
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