Many households will have been plummeted into poverty as energy bills saw a whopping 54% increase on April 1.
And this week it was announced that the energy price cap would be increased further later this year. The government has been trying to find ways to help people in the UK cut costs as some homes are struggling and having to choose between eating and keeping warm as a result.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on May 26 that most vulnerable households across the UK will receive support of at least £1,200 this year, including a new one-off £650 cost of living payment. He also announced that the energy bills discount due to come in from October is being doubled from £200 to £400, while the requirement to pay it back will be scrapped.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak's £800 cost of living cash boost and who will get it
However, some households will still be struggling to pay their ever-increasing bills. Luckily, there are several energy suppliers that are currently offering hardship schemes.
Available hardship funds
For most of them, you need to be an existing customer - the big exception is the British Gas scheme, which can be accessed by anyone. Help is available from the following energy providers, if you’re an existing customer:
There is also the British Gas Energy Trust which can be accessed by anyone, not just British Gas customers, providing you meet the eligibility criteria. Who exactly qualifies for help does vary between each energy supplier - but generally speaking, you'll need to be struggling to pay your bills, on a low income or claiming certain benefits. You will likely be asked to show examples of your household income and to explain why you're unable to pay your bills.
Other help if you're still struggling to pay bills
Talking to your energy supplier might feel like the last thing you want to do, but talking to them can help find out whether you can reduce your bill. They can offer various options such as paying by monthly direct debit or signing up for an online tariff.
Always contact them first before you stop any direct debits. If you miss a payment, your energy supplier won't disconnect your gas and electricity at the moment. But if you don't top-up your prepayment meter, your supply might still stop.
Providers can offer payment plans to help make bills more affordable. They must work with you to agree a payment plan that you can afford. Options vary between suppliers but you can ask for:
- a review of your payments and debt repayments
- a reduction in your payments or a payment break
- more time to pay access to hardship funds.
Try and agree a deal that works for both you and your supplier. You can also ask to be added to the Priority Services register - this offers free help and support if you are in a vulnerable situation.
If you have a prepayment meter and can't top it up, contact your supplier to work out how to keep your energy supply. Options can include:
- emergency credit
- nominating someone to top up for you
- adding a discretionary fund to your account
- sending you a pre-loaded top-up card.
Bear in mind that you'll eventually need to pay back any credit your supplier gives you.
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