Tens of thousands of households could be able to claim up to £2,000 in vital energy support. The British Gas Energy Triust is offering two energy debt support funds to assist those who are especially struggling this winter. Throughout the 2023/24, the Trust said it provided support to more than 64,000 households across the country.
This included money and energy advice, emergency fuel payments, white goods and energy debt grants. The Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund offer grants of up to £2,000 to both British Gas customers and non-customers in England, Scotland and Wales.
One recipient of this support was Ms N, who lives with her partner and three children and whose name has been changed for privacy reasons. She had been grappling with rising energy costs, forcing her to choose between paying her energy bill or providing basic necessities for her family.
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As part of her application, Ms N received financial advice from StepChange, which demonstrated how she could manage her expenses going forward. She was awarded a £995 grant from the Trust, allowing her to concentrate on keeping her family warm and healthy.
Jessica Taplin, CEO of the Trust, advises: “The first step for anyone struggling with their energy bills is to reach out to their energy supplier.
“Once this step has been taken, it’s also a good idea to check your eligibility for external support. The Trust’s support funds are there to help individuals with energy debt and we encourage every household to apply if they qualify, and to share this information with friends and family, as no one should have to navigate these challenging times alone.”
How to apply for a grant
The British Gas Energy Trust’s energy debt grants are offering a lifeline for those caught behind on their energy bills, the trust aims to provide more than just immediate relief from financial stress but also help households keep warm during the energy-consuming winter months.
To submit an application, head over to the British Gas Energy Trust’s online page here. Before you can apply, you’ll need to have an account set up. You can either create one yourself or have an application sent through an agency’s own account.
Full details of eligiblity for each support scheme can also be found on the website.