A MAJOR energy supplier is reopening a scheme which can pay hard-up households up to £1,500 in free cash.
The British Gas Energy Support Fund will open for new applications from Monday, October 2 to provide grants to customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
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Any British Gas or Scottish Gas energy customer who is struggling to pay their energy bill and has sought money and energy advice is eligible to apply for the support.
Successful applicants could get a grant worth up to £1,500 to help with debts.
But to be considered for a grant you must meet all the following criteria:
- Live in England, Scotland or Wales
- Have not received a grant from British Gas Energy Trust in the last 12 months
- Can have a credit or prepayment meter with a previous outstanding account debt
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Proof of income will be required at the point of application.
This will be considered alongside household outgoings to determine if you are in or at risk of fuel poverty.
Customers will be able to apply for the fund on the British Gas Energy Trust website on Monday.
Chris O’Shea, chief executive of Centrica, parent company of British Gas said: “Thankfully energy prices have started to come down, but the broader cost of living crisis is still putting pressure on consumer finances, and we know many of our customers will still struggle with their household bills this winter.
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“Our customers mean the world to us, and we want to help them through these difficult times, supporting them with grants, credit and advice.”
The fund that reopens on Monday is strictly for British Gas customers only.
However, another fund offered by the same firm can help support customers at other suppliers.
The British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund also offer grants worth up to £1,500.
You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply for this fund – you can be a British Gas customer or a customer from another supplier.
To be considered for a grant you must meet all 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 do not have savings above £1,000
- You have received help from a money advice agency
To support your application you’ll need to provide evidence that you’ve received money advice in the last three months. You’ll also need proof of your current household income.
British Gas customers will also need a recent meter reading – unless they’re on a smart meter.
You can apply for the fund on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
Do other suppliers offer energy grants?
Most energy suppliers have a discretionary grant scheme to help support their most vulnerable customers.
Grants vary by supplier and, of course, the exact amount you’ll get will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Here’s a full list of other energy suppliers offering grants.
EDF
The EDF customer support fund can help customers who are in debt or facing financial difficulties.
It can also provide help in buying energy-efficient white goods to help customers reduce their bills long term.
To get a cash grant from EDF, you’ll need to be a customer and sign up for the Priority Services Register.
Once you’ve done this and the firm has assessed your circumstances you’ll be able to apply for an energy grant.
You’ll need to have your EDF account number and current energy debt balances ready, along with details of your household finances and vulnerability.
The fund is open for customers to apply and there is currently no end date for applications.
The amount you can get will depend on your circumstances.
Scottish Power
Customers of Scottish Power could get up to £750 in grants from its hardship fund to help with their energy bills.
You could qualify for help if you’re receiving one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
If you think you’re eligible for the cash grant you can apply online on the supplier’s website and you should get a response within five working days.
Once your application has been submitted it can take up to five working days to be reviewed by the team.
You will then be contacted to confirm whether your application has been approved and advise next steps.
Scottish Power offers the fund all year round, so hard-up customers can apply now.
The amount you can get will again depend on your situation and needs.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy offers a range of support including cash from its Octopus Energy Assist Fund.
It could also include the loan of a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home that you can fix to reduce energy usage and your bill.
It also does home energy visits to help discuss how households can reduce their usage. Plus it gives out free electric blankets.
What you can get depends on your circumstances and needs.
Octopus is encouraging all customers to get in contact if they’re struggling with their bills.
Direct bill support could include vouchers up to £500 or a payment holiday.
You can contact Octopus via its website.
Octo Assist fund is still open for applications and there is no deadline for customers to apply.
E.ON
Customers of both E.ON and E.ON Next can apply for cash grants to help with their energy costs.
E.ON doesn’t have an established eligibility criteria but the fund aims to help as many people as possible and applications from individuals with the greatest needs will be prioritised.
In order to complete your application, you will need to know your energy account number and provide a recent meter reading.
You can apply online via the Eon website.
You’ll be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances, for example, proof of household income or DWP benefit payments.
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The fund does not have a closing date.
E.ON has urged any customers yet to apply for the fund to see what help is available.
