A MAJOR UK energy supplier is forking out up to £2,000 in cash to support households this winter – and you don’t even need to be a customer to benefit.
British Gas set up the Individual and Families Fund in 2021 to help those struggling with energy debt.
The fund has recently increased up from £1,500 “to acknowledge that some need extra help,” amidst the cost of living crisis.
To be considered for a grant you must meet all the following criteria:
- Have energy debt up to £1,500 and have a credit energy account, or use a pre-payment meter in your main residence
- The energy account must be in the name of the applicant
- You must live in England, Scotland or Wales.
- Have not received a grant from British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years.
- You must be seeking a grant to clear outstanding debt
- Have electric and or gas debt
- Facing fuel poverty
- Have received help from a money advice agency
If your application is successful your energy account will be credited with the grant.
It is important to note that the help will not be in the form of a cash payment.
To find out if you are eligible you can visit the British Gas website or if you would prefer to speak to someone in person you can visit one of the British Gas Post Office pop-ups.
By visiting one of the pop-ups you will be able to check your eligibility for the grant and also get free money and energy advice.
A list of all the locations can also be found on the British Gas website.
Most energy suppliers have a discretionary grant scheme to help support their most vulnerable customers.
What is offered does vary by supplier and 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.
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.
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.
Meanwhile British Gas is also offering customers the chance to save on their energy bills on Christmas Day – but you need to be quick.
Households on pre-payment meters can also get £250 free credit, and you don’t have to pay it back.
