Struggling with energy bill debt? Check if you can get a grant of up to £1,500 from British Gas – even if you're not a customer
The British Gas Energy Trust, a charity funded by British Gas, has today (1 July) reopened applications for grants of up to £1,500 to help people clear debts owed to their energy provider – and you don't have to be a British Gas customer to benefit. But funds are limited, so it's best to apply as soon as possible. Here's what you need to know.
The Trust operates two very similar schemes: one for British Gas customers only, which has been open all year but is closing on 8 July, and another, also available to non-customers, which has just reopened after closing in the spring. Both are only for those living in England, Scotland or Wales – we've full details below.
For more info on the help you can get with your bills, see our full What to do if you're struggling to pay for energy guide.
You can only apply if you've had one-to-one debt help
In order to qualify for the support, you'll need to show you meet a list of criteria, as set out below.
Crucially, you can only apply if you've already received help from a debt advisor, such as the charities Citizens Advice, StepChange or National Debtline (see our Debt help guide for more on how these services work).
Scheme name | 'Individuals and families fund'Opened Fri 1 Jul | 'British Gas Energy Support Fund'Closes Fri 8 Jul |
|---|---|---|
Who can apply | British Gas and non-British Gas customers | British Gas customers only |
How much you can get | Up to £1,500 | Up to £750 |
Eligibility criteria | Must:- Have had help from a money advice agency in past 3mths- Be in debt on active gas / electricity account (1)- Be in, or facing, fuel poverty (spending 10%+ of your income on energy)- Have less than £1,000 in savings- Not have had a British Gas Energy Trust grant in past 2yrs | Must: - Be in debt of £250-£750 on active gas / electricity account (1) - Be in, or facing, fuel poverty (spending 10%+ of your income on energy)- Have less than £1,000 in savings |
How to apply | ||
(1) Account must be in your name or the name of another member of your household, and must relate to your main residence.
Whichever scheme you apply to, you'll need to provide full evidence of your household income, expenditure and debt.
Other big energy firms have similar schemes – but only for their customers
British Gas isn't the only firm offering grants to its customers to help them clear their energy debts. Similar help is available from the following providers:
With these, you'll need to be a customer of the firm to apply and the exact eligibility criteria varies by firm (see charities that can help with the process).
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17 September 2024
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