An online energy bill (Jacob King/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Bulb has reopened its hardship fund to help customers with their energy bills amid the cost of living crisis.
Eligible customers could receive financial support of up to £140, and could be put in touch with Citizens Advice Plymouth, which supports people with energy debt, by offering advice on budgeting, debt, and saving energy in an appointment that will last from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.
But what is the Bulb hardship fund and who could be eligible for help?
What is the Bulb hardship fund?
Depending on their circumstances, Bulb may be able to offer customers a £140 grant. The energy company may be able to write off energy debt up to £2,000 and may be able to offer their customers energy-efficient appliances.
Who is eligible for the £140 grant?
People may be eligible for the £140 grant from Bulb if they don’t have access to the gas grid, they or someone they live with has a disability or long term health problem, or they pay for their energy by topping up their meter.
Who is eligible for the debt write off?
Bulb customers may be eligible for a debt write off of up to £2,000 if they are financial difficulty, have over £150 of energy debt (but are still able to pay for ongoing energy use), and they or someone they live with has a disability or illness (or has been through a significant life change in the past 18 months) which affects their ability to pay.
Who is eligible for energy-efficient appliances?
Bulb customers may be able to get energy-efficient appliances, including ovens, washing machines, fridges, freezers, and microwaves, if they are in financial difficulty and have at least one essential appliance that’s either faulty or over 12 years old.
How to apply for the Bulb hardship fund
Applications for the Bulb Energy Fund 2022-2023 are currently closed due to the number of applications the energy company has received, but people can still register their interest.
Be aware that registering your interest does not guarantee an appointment, and that people may need to wait a few months for an appointment.
