Money saving expert Martin Lewis has issued an urgent message as high energy bills hit households across the country.
For those who are struggling to pay, households can apply for an energy grant worth up to £1,500. This comes as British Gas is reopening its Energy Trust Individual and Families Fund tomorrow (July 1).
The best part is that you don't need to be a customer to apply, it is open to anyone who lives in Scotland, England or Wales. You must also be in debt to your energy provider, sought advice from a money advice agency, and have no more than £1,000 in savings urged households to apply for an energy grant worth up to £1,500 if you’re struggling to pay your bills.
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British Gas has a list of the full eligibility criteria for its Energy Trust Individual and Families Fund on its website. To seek financial advice, as the Mirror reports, the easiest - and the free way - to do this is through a charity, the main ones who will help you with energy bills are National Energy Action, Home Energy Scotland, Advice Direct Scotland and Citizens Advice.
Flagging the scheme in the latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter, Martin said: “[The scheme has] been closed to non-customers since spring, so it's good news it reopens on Friday, July 1. Applications and eligibility is tricky, so often it's easiest to apply via a help charity.”
Additionally, British Gas runs a separate Energy Support Fund that is open for its customers all-year round. The fund can offer a grant worth between £250 to £750 and you have to be in debt to British Gas of at least £250 and not have more than £1,000 in savings.
If you receive either grant, the money doesn't have to be paid back and you can receive it on top of the cost of living payments that are due to be handed out later this year.
This comes as the energy price cap is expected to rise again - on top of the staggering costs households are feeling so far. Experts are warning another increase of 51 per cent rise, which will push the average energy bill close to £3,000 a year.
Currently, those on default tariffs paying by direct debit, the price cap increased by £693 from £1,277 to £1,971. Prepayment customers saw a bigger jump, with their price cap going up by £708, from £1,309 to £2,017.
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