A MAJOR energy supplier has reopened its hardship fund to help households struggling with soaring energy costs.
Bulb’s more than one million customers can now apply for the bill help, which could be worth up to £140.
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Hard-up households could also get help with buying energy efficient appliances and writing off debts.
Bulb customers struggling to get by can apply online for help through the Bulb energy fund.
The energy firm is offering the help with Citizen’s Advice which will offer those in need advice on saving energy and benefits.
They will also assess if you are eligible for financial help with energy bills or debts and energy efficient appliances.
When you apply you’ll be asked for information, like how you’re struggling with bills and your circumstances.
The exact help available depends on your situation, but can include a £140 grant that you don’t have to repay.
You could also get your energy debts written off up to £2,000.
And the scheme could give you energy efficient appliances like a washing machine or fridge.
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Bulb is one of several energy companies which offer a charitable fund to help its customers who are struggling with bills.
British Gas customers can apply for grants of up to £750 and could get debts of up to £1,000 written off.
EDF boosted its hardship fund to £10million and the help individuals can get is on a case-by-case basis.
Octopus Energy has increased its financial hardship fund, Octo Assist, from £2.5million to £5million.
Shell Energy has set aside a £5million pot of cash to support households with energy debts.
Scottish Power customers can get £750 wiped off their debts through the supplier’s hardship fund.
The E.on Next Energy Fund can help customers through grants or by replacing an appliance such as a cooker, fridge or washing machine.
Check with your energy company directly what’s available and how to apply as the schemes vary.
Funds are often limited and given out on a first come first served basis, so it’s best to apply sooner rather than later.
British Gas will soon open up its charity grants scheme again which is available to anyone – you don’t have to be a customer.
From July the British Gas Energy Trust will offer grants worth up to £1,000.
More energy bill help you can get
If you are struggling with your bills then there are a number of charities and organisations which may be able to help:
There are also grants available that could support you making bill payments.
There are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that offer cash to help struggling families.
This could help with food, bills or buying essential white goods like a cooker or washing machine if you don’t have the cash to hand.
Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.
Local councils are giving out cash top help households struggling with bills and other essential costs.
How much you can get through the Household Support Fund depend on where you live.
To see what’s available where you are, and to apply, you’ll need to check your local council.
You can search for yours using the search tool on gov.uk – just enter your postcode.
Local councils also offer welfare assistance schemes all year round that can help you with bills.
Around 80% of households will get a £150 council tax rebate to help with the rising cost of living.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households in other bands.
The government has announced the every single household will get a £200 discount on their energy bill in October.
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