In recent months, news of rising energy costs have hit the news and for many it's something that they simply cannot afford.
Households have been struggling to cope with the increase in prices - especially during the pandemic - which has seen people lose their jobs or become furloughed.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that 66% of adults said their cost of living has increased in the past month with many pointing to their energy bills as the main culprit.
However, with the energy cap set to rise by as much as 50% this April, many are welcoming two new funds by The British Gas Energy Trust to help people pay off their bills - one of which doesn't even require customers to be with British Gas and people could get anywhere up to £750 to help.
As a result of the increases and struggles many are now facing, the energy provider has launched a new £2 million fund to help the most financially vulnerable British Gas customers who are struggling to pay their bills this winter, on top of support already available to them.
The Winter Fund has also been set up in response to the increasing cost of living and inflation - including Ofgem's most recent price cap increase of £139.
This means that thousands of customers with fuel debt between £250 to £750 are able to apply for grants to help pay towards their energy bills over the next few months.
The fund will remain open until the end of March or until the full £2m has been awarded, reports the Daily Record.
It is worth noting however that before applying, they state that you must have already contacted your energy supplier, Local Money Advice Agency, or an online debt and money advisor such as Citizens Advice Scotland, StepChange or Turn2Us for help and advice.
How do I apply?
British Gas customers will be contacted by email or letter to let them know if they could be eligible.
You can also apply online through the website.
You need to be a British Gas customer to apply for this fund.
To be considered for a grant you must meet the following criteria:
- You live in Scotland, England or Wales
- 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 have electric and/or gas debt between £250 - £750
- You do not have savings above £1,000
- You must be in or facing Fuel Poverty
In order to support your application, you will need the following:
- Proof of all household income
- A meter read for your gas and/or electricity account
- Help for other energy customers
There is also help available from the Individuals and Families Fund, where you can be with any supplier.
Individuals and Families Fund
You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply for this fund - you can be a British Gas Customer, or a customer from another supplier but check if your supplier has their own Trust Fund first.
To be considered for a grant you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- You live in Scotland, England or Wales
- You have not received a grant from the British gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years
- 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 have electric and/or gas debt
- You do not have savings above £1,000
- You have received help from a money advice agency
- You must be in or facing Fuel Poverty
In order to support your application, the Trust will need the following:
- Proof of money advice received in the last 3 months (e.g. a letter confirming the advice provided, a standard financial statement and/or Personal Action Plan). If you haven’t received money advice in the last 3 months visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk to find your nearest advice agency before applying
- Proof of all household income
- British Gas customers - a meter read for your gas and/or electric account
- Other energy supplier customers - a bill based on actual readings dated within 4 weeks, showing your name, account number or supply address OR an email from your energy supplier dated within four weeks that confirms your name, account number, supply address, outstanding balance and confirmation the balance is based on actual readings
Guidance on the British Gas Energy Trust page states: "Please ensure you have these ready to upload when completing your application. We will not be able to progress your application without this information."
Apply for support here.
