FIVE energy firms are giving out up to £1,500 in free cash to help households cover bills this winter.
It comes after Ofgem’s new price cap came into effect on October 1.
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It means the average household on a dual-fuel energy tariff is now paying £1,923 a year for their bills – down by £151 – although you could pay more or less depending on your usage.
But if you are still struggling to meet payments, a number of firms, including British Gas and Octopus Energy, are offering grants.
Each has their own criteria but usually you qualify if you fallen into financial difficulty or arrears – here’s everything you need to know.
British Gas
The British Gas Energy Support Fund opened on October 2 and is accepting applications from customers struggling to pay their bills.
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Any British Gas customer is eligible to apply and could receive up to £1,500.
You have to meet the following criteria though:
- live in England, Wales or Scotland
- have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust in the last 12 months
- can have a credit or prepayment meter with a previous outstanding debt
You will also have to hand over proof of income and your household outgoings will be used to determine whether you are in or at risk of fuel poverty.
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Fuel poverty is defined as when a household needs to spend at least 10% of its income on heating.
Customers not with British Gas can still get grants worth up to £1,500 through the firm’s British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
To be considered for a grant you must:
- live in England, Scotland or Wales
- have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years
- 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
- have electric and/or gas debt
- not have savings above £1,000
- have received help from a money advice agency
You also have to provide evidence you’ve received money advice in the last three months and proof of your current household income.
British Gas customers will need to supply a recent meter reading, unless they’re on a smart meter.
You can apply for both grants via the British Gas website.
EDF
The EDF Customer Support Fund offers help to those in debt or facing financial difficulties.
You can also use it to get help buying energy-efficient white goods such as fridges.
You have to be an EDF customer to apply and also separately part of the Priority Services Register, which you can sign up to for free online.
Once you’ve applied on EDF’s website, the firm will assess your personal circumstances and let you know whether you can apply for a grant.
When applying, you’ll need to have your EDF account number and current energy debt balance to hand.
You will also need details of your household finances and vulnerability.
The amount you will receive depends on your personal circumstances.
Scottish Power
Scottish Power customers in arrears can get grants worth up to £750 via its hardship fund.
You may qualify if you receive one of four benefits:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
You can apply for a grant online on the supplier’s website and should receive a reply within five working days.
That means if you apply on a Tuesday, you should hear back by the following Tuesday.
Scottish Power will then contact you to confirm whether your application has been approved and to advise you on the next steps.
Like EDF, the amount you can get up to £750 varies depending on your circumstances.
Octopus Energy
Households with Octopus Energy can get help worth up to £500 via the firm’s Assist Fund.
What you get depends on your specific circumstances and needs.
You may also qualify for a thermal imagery camera used to locate heat leaks in your home.
Once found, you can fix heat leaks to stop warm air from escaping and use less energy in the process, slashing your bill.
Octopus Energy also carries out home visits to discuss ways households can reduce their usage.
You can find out more on Octopus Energy’s website.
E.ON
Customers with either E.ON or E.ON Next can apply for cash grants to cover energy bills.
There’s no established eligibility criteria but those with the greatest needs are prioritised first.
You can apply via E.ON’s website and will need your energy account number and a recent meter reading to hand.
You will also be asked to provide evidence you are in hardship, including proof of household income or benefit payments.
E.ON is urging any customers yet to apply to see what help is available.
What other energy bill help is there?
If you can’t get help through one of the above funds, there’s other support on offer.
The Household Support Fund is available to thousands across England, with the latest round worth £842million.
What you are entitled to varies depending on where you live, but you usually receive help if you are on a low income or benefits.
Some households are being issued energy vouchers while others are receiving payments directly into their bank accounts.
You can find what council area you fall under by using the government’s council locator tool.
You just have to type in your postcode and it will tell you which local authority you should contact to see if you can get help.
Meanwhile, you might be able to get a cost of living payment to cover your energy bills.
There are still two instalments of the £900 payment set to come, with the second landing in weeks.
The payments are being made to anyone on the following benefits:
If you’re not on one of the above benefits yet, it’s worth seeing if you qualify.
Not only will you start receiving money from the benefit, it could make you eligible for the second and third instalments of the £900 cost of living payment, worth £300 and £299.
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Millions of pensioners are set to receive a top-up worth up to £300 to their Winter Fuel Payment this winter as well.
The amount of top-up you receive will depend on your specific circumstances, like when you were born.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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