British Gas has announced the reopening of a crucial £2,000 support scheme today, October 1, aimed at assisting millions across the UK. This coincides with Ofgem’s latest energy price cap hike of 2%, causing the average annual dual-fuel bill to rise from £1,720 to £1,755, an increase of roughly £35.
As energy bills surge and temperatures drop, the British Gas Energy Trust has reintroduced its largest energy debt fund for another year, urging UK households in energy debt to seek assistance.
The energy supplier’s British Gas Energy Support Fund (ESF) provides grants to British Gas customers who have up to £2,000 of debt on credit or prepayment meter accounts. Applications can be made via the British Gas Energy Trust website.
The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity that funds frontline advice services in local communities providing free one-to-one money, benefits, and energy efficiency advice – « no matter which supplier you’re with ». It also runs a direct access energy debt programme – awarding grants to households to write off energy debt and fund emergency fuel credit.
Jessica Taplin, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, said: « Our focus is ensuring people can access support so that no one has to choose between heating their home or meeting other essential needs this winter. With energy prices rising and household budgets coming under pressure, we hope the fund’s reopening can help families and individuals who are struggling, helping them move towards a more secure financial future. »
The ESF complements the Trust’s already open Individuals and Families Fund, which offers up to £1,700 to eligible customers of any energy supplier, if their supplier doesn’t have its own scheme, or they can show their application to that scheme was unsuccessful, reports the Mirror.
A statement on the British Gas Energy Trust website advises: « If you’re struggling with debt, it can be difficult to know where to turn… Apply for grants to clear domestic gas and electricity debts. Before applying to the Trust, you must get money advice first. »
Support is available from Trust funded money and energy projects, local advice centres or online at www.turn2us.org.uk, www.StepChange.org and on the Citizens Advice national website. Resources on our website also include the Bounce Back Checklist, Better Off Calculator or energy saving tips.
How can the ESF grant make a difference?
British Gas shared a real-life case of how the ESF has made a difference. They told the story of Ms S, a 49 year old who wishes to remain anonymous and lives alone in her mortgaged property.
She is unable to work due to multiple health conditions, including a recently diagnosed heart condition.
Dependent on Universal Credit and standard rate PIP, she requires extra gas heating to protect her health, which, combined with rising energy costs, has led to fuel poverty, energy arrears, and difficulty keeping up with mortgage payments. After receiving money advice and making energy-saving changes, her finances now show she can manage future energy costs, and she was awarded a £639 grant to clear her energy arrears.
Commenting on the grant, Ms S said: « I didn’t know what to do about this debt, but the application was easy, and I can now focus on paying my winter bills without this worry. »
The Individual and Families Fund
This fund is accessible to both prepayment meter and credit account customers, including those of British Gas and other suppliers. For customers of OVO, Boost, Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Octopus, Shell Energy, SSE, Utilita and Utility Warehouse – these suppliers have their own energy support funds, so you should apply directly to them.
You can only apply to the Individuals and Families Fund if you have already applied to your supplier’s fund and have been declined (evidence will be required). The criteria that must be met includes:
- You are living in England, Scotland or Wales.
- Prepayment customers must owe between £50 – £1,700 in energy debt
- Credit account customers must owe between £250 – £1,700 in energy debt
- You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years
- You have a household income of less than £18,723 or someone in the household is registered disabled and receives a disability benefit or receives Carers Allowance or has three or more children
- You are seeking a grant to clear outstanding debt on a current energy account in your name and place of residence. We cannot consider applications for closed accounts (I.e. if you have moved home or changed supplier)
- You have received help from a money advice agency or used our trusted partner’s self help Benefit Calculator tool within the last six months.
If you meet all the above criteria you may be eligible for a Trust grant, click here to apply for a grant.
