MARTIN Lewis has urged a family with a £5,000 energy bill to apply for a £750 grant before the scheme closes today.
Energy firms have hardship funds for customers who are struggling to pay, but the deadline for a major scheme is fast approaching.
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Bills are set to rise by around £700 for millions of Brits within weeks, and a cost of living crisis is putting pressure on household budgets.
But costs will be even higher for some families who need to use more energy.
Marie, a caller to ITV’s This Morning yesterday, said her bill is estimated to be a huge £5,000 a year as her son needs a ventilator for 22 hours a day.
Martin warned her that it’s set to soar even further saying “we are at near crisis stage for many people with disabilities and vulnerabilities at the moment”.
He told the family to check whether they can access any energy company trusts.
For example, British Gas offers up to £750 to anyone struggling with bills and you don’t have to be a customer.
But that scheme will close to non-customers at 4pm today (March 18).
A separate fund reserved for British Gas customers will continue to accept applications.
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The grants are available to those in “exceptional circumstances” to help pay off energy debts in part or in full.
Certain eligibility criteria applies, like must be in or facing fuel poverty and have savings of no more than £1,000.
Several big energy suppliers offer hardship funds to help anyone falling behind on their bill, but the schemes have closed already at four other suppliers.
Ovo Energy has closed the scheme to new applicants due to high demand.
Meanwhile Eon has said customers can’t apply for the fund as their accounts are being moved over to E.On Next.
And Bulb has said its fund will open again in “spring” after offering eligible customers £140 grants or a debt write-off of up to £2,000 last year.
Octopus customers are in luck as it’s hardship fund has been extended to last until the end of spring.
Pay outs of up to £500 are available for hard-up households.
What other help is available?
If you’re struggling with your energy payments, your first step should be to contact your energy supplier.
They may be able to change your payment plan as well as check if you’re eligible for their hardship fund.
You should also check that you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Use an online benefits calculator to make sure you’re not missing out on any extra cash.
Similarly, you can search for grants that can help you pay for gas and electricity bills.
There are government schemes available to help households pay for energy costs.
You might be eligible for the winter fuel allowance or cold weather payment if you already get other benefits.
Finally, one of the best ways of saving money is to make your home more energy efficient.
Check whether you can reduce your energy use with a simple trick such as putting foil behind your radiator.
