Families in need across Britain could be missing out on vital financial help with their energy bills from British Gas.
People who find themselves struggling to pay their energy bills this winter may be unaware of a crucial lifeline. Millions of pensioners will no longer be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, while households across the UK could be stung by Ofgem’s increased price cap that comes into force next month (January 1, 2025).
If you’re struggling to stay afloat during the colder months, the British Gas Energy Trust has the power to write off your energy debt by dishing out grants worth up to £2,000. “This makes a significant difference to the lives of thousands of people each year, helping them get back on their feet and remain debt free going forward,” said British Gas Energy Trust.
The British Gas Energy Support fund is only available to British Gas customers. However, its Individual and Families Fund is available to both British Gas and non-British Gas customers, although several suppliers (including OVO, Boost, Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Octopus, and Shell energy) have their own support fund which is restricted to their customers only.
British Gas Energy Support Fund
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Energy Support Fund, allowing British Gas customers to apply for grants up to £2,000 to help with energy debt. The Energy Support Fund is available to British Gas customers with credit and pre-payment meter accounts who meet the following criteria:
- You are a British Gas credit or pre-payment meter customer living in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- You haven’t received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 12 months.
- You must 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.
- You must have a minimum debt of £50 as a pre-payment meter customer, or £250 as a credit account customer.
- Have a maximum £2,000 gas and/or electricity debt.
- You must be in or facing Fuel Poverty.
- You have received help from a money advice or guidance agency within the last six months.
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Individuals and Families Fund
This fund is open to British Gas and non-British Gas customers, and offers grants up to £1,500. However, if your energy supplier has its own support fund, you won’t be able to apply. You must also meet the following criteria:
- Live in England, Scotland or Wales.
- If you’re a pre-payment meter customer, you must have between £50 and £1,7000 of energy debt. For Credit customers, you must have between £250 and £1,700 worth of debt.
- You must not have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years.
- You must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account. The account must be in your name and relate to your main residence.
- The trust does not consider awarding grants to closed accounts (e.g., if you have moved home).
- If your application is successful, your energy account will be credited with the grant. Please note the British Gas Energy Trust does not award cash payments.
- You must be in or facing fuel poverty.
- You have received help from a money advice agency within the last six months.
If you meet the criteria for either grant, you can apply for the debt write-off here. To submit your application, you will need to provide proof of all household income dated within the last six months, proof of money advice/ guidance received, as well as supporting documents like your energy bill or meter readings (depending on what grant you’re applying for).
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