E.on, OVO, Octopus, and British Gas customers are now eligible to apply for grants of up to £1,700 to assist with energy bills as a special fund reopens. The British Gas Energy Trust is offering these grants to customers with energy bill debts on both credit and pre-payment meter accounts, regardless of whether they are British Gas customers or not.
The Individuals and Families Fund (IFF) has been reopened to support those facing energy debt, particularly as around 10 million elderly individuals are no longer eligible for Winter Fuel Payments. While Winter Fuel Payments are now limited to certain pensioners in England and Wales, the IFF is open to anyone in need of assistance with energy debt.
In the previous year, the Trust aided over 5,300 households with more than £7.8m in energy debt grants, with a significant portion allocated to households in England. Jessica Taplin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, highlighted the importance of this fund in light of changing eligibility criteria for Winter Fuel Payments and the upcoming energy price cap increase.
Alongside providing energy debt grants, the Trust also supports 29 money and energy advice projects across England, offering free and unbiased advice on budget planning, benefits, energy efficiency, and other essential topics. To qualify for the Individuals and Families Fund, households must have up to £1,700 in debt on their energy accounts and receive financial guidance from a relevant agency before applying.
Established in 2004, the British Gas Energy Trust is an independent Charitable Trust that focuses on alleviating the impact of poverty, particularly fuel poverty. The Trust offers various programmes, including energy grants, a small grants programme, and funding for money and energy advice projects, all aimed at supporting households in managing their energy bills effectively.
For further details on eligibility criteria and how to apply, interested individuals should refer to the Trust’s website. Whether you are a British Gas customer or with another energy supplier, this fund provides crucial support for those struggling with energy debt during the colder months.