SCOTTISH Power customers can get £750 wiped off their debts through the supplier’s hardship fund.
The company has a support scheme in place for households who are struggling to pay their bills.
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The cost of gas and electricity has soared and is set to climb even higher this year.
Last week, energy regulator Ofgem announced that the new energy price cap will take the average household bill to £1,971 a year.
That’s an annual increase of £693 for the average family, which could push millions into fuel poverty.
Research by the Resolution Foundation shows that 2.5million people will face “fuel stress” due to rising bills, doubling the UK total to 5million.
We explain what help Scottish Power customers can get through the supplier’s hardship fund.
What is the Scottish Power hardship fund?
Scottish Power customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills can get help through the scheme.
Up to 40% of arrears can be cleared through the scheme, up to a maximum value of £750.
Awards are only made to help with debts and are made to the energy account, so you won’t receive a cash grant or money to put towards future energy use.
You need to prove you’re in financial hardship and have debts that you’re struggling to pay.
There’s no deadline but you can make a claim every three years.
If you’ve previously received a grant you can claim again, but only if it was more than three years ago.
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Who is eligible for the Scottish Power hardship fund?
To receive a grant from the hardship fund you have to be a Scottish Power customer and prove that you’re in financial hardship.
You also need to have energy debts that you’re struggling to pay.
People on the following benefits could be eligible for a payment:
- Income Support,
- Job Seekers Allowance,
- Pension Credit, or
- Employment and Support Allowance
You could also qualify if you have a low household income.
There could also be special circumstances which could make you eligible, for example if you have experienced an income reduction due to illness.
You will need to provide proof of your financial situation, such as recent letters from the Department for Work and Pensions.
How can I apply for the Scottish Power hardship fund?
Scottish Power said customers should first contact an independent debt advice service, such as National Debtline, before making an application.
You will receive free advice and more information about the hardship scheme.
If you decide to make an application, you can do so through Social Enterprise Direct, which manages the scheme for Scottish Power.
Customers can apply online, over the phone, or download a paper form to return in the post.
You should receive a decision after around five working days.
The funds will be credited to your Scottish Power account after you agree to a payment arrangement for your ongoing energy use.
What other help is available?
There are other schemes in place to help with rising energy costs.
The government is giving all households a £200 discount on their bills in April – but you’ll have to pay this back.
You could also be eligible for help from the £500million Household Support Fund.
Councils across the country are offering help with essential costs, including bills and food.
The help available varies across the country, so contact your local authority to find out what’s on offer in your region.
If you’re not an Scottish Power customer you should get in touch with your supplier to see what support is available.
For example, Octopus Energy offers customers up to £500 through its hardship fund and British Gas customers can get up to £750 wiped off their energy bill debts.
There’s help available if you’re not a British Gas customer, too, as you can apply for its wider hardship fund.
Most energy suppliers have closed their warm home discount schemes, but it’s worth checking if yours is still open.
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