HARD-UP households can get grants worth up to £1,500 to pay off their energy debts.
Gas and electricity bills are set to rise even further next month but help is available for struggling families.
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Millions of families are facing a £693 a year hike to energy costs when the price cap goes up in April.
The British Gas Energy Trust can write off energy debts and you don’t have to be a British Gas customer.
The maximum grant is usually £750, but you could get up to £1,500 in “exceptional circumstances”.
Struggling households have received an average pay out of £512 to date.
The fund is open to applicants who are customers of any supplier but should check whether your energy firm has its own fund before applying.
We explain who is eligible for a grant and how to apply.
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Who is eligible for a grant?
To get a grant you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and not have already been given a payout from the fund in the last two years.
You must been seeking to clear an outstanding debt on your energy account and not have savings of more than £1,000.
Before you apply for a grant you should have evidence that you’re already received help from a money advice agency such as Citizens Advice or National Debtline.
You must also be in or facing fuel poverty.
That means your energy costs are above average and, after paying those bills, your income is below the poverty line.
How can I apply for a grant?
If you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply for a grant online.
You’ll need some information to hand to help your application.
Make sure you can provide proof of money advice received in the last three months.
For example, a letter confirming the advice provided, a standard financial settlement or a personal action plan.
You will also need to input details of you entire household income.
British Gas customers have to provide a meter reading for their energy accounts.
If you’re with a different supplier, you’ll need a bill based on actual readings dated within four weeks, including your name and account number or address.
An email from your supplier, dated within four weeks, confirming the same details as well as your outstanding balance, could be used instead.
What other help is available?
If you don’t qualify for a grant from this fund, there is other help available.
British Gas has a separate fund just for its customers, which has less tough eligibility requirements.
Your supplier might also offer its own hardship fund.
For example, Octopus is giving out grants of up to £500 and Scottish Power offers customers £750 worth of help.
Even if your supplier doesn’t have a specific support scheme, you should still get in touch with them if you’re struggling to pay your bills.
You could get help from the Household Support Fund, but you’ll have to move fast as the scheme closes on March 31.
Make sure you’re getting all the help you’re entitled to by using an online benefits calculator.
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