Are you struggling with energy costs or debts to your energy supplier? You might qualify for financial aid, with some companies offering up to £2,000 to help you cover your bills. This guide outlines the available support and how to access it.
Contents
- Energy Bill Relief 2024
- British Gas
- Eligibility Criteria
- Additional Support
- ScottishPower
- Eligibility Criteria
- Application Process
- EDF
- Support Offered
- Application Process
- Utilita
- Current Schemes
- Application Process
- Additional Support
- Utility Warehouse
- Support Offered
- Recent Initiatives
- Octopus
- Support Offered
- Application Process
- E.ON
- Eligibility Criteria
- Application Process
- Other Energy Bill Help
- Household Support Fund
- Cost of Living Payment
- Winter Fuel Allowances
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Energy Bill Relief 2024
As of July 1, energy prices have been capped at £1,568 annually for an average household using electricity and gas, paying via direct debit. Although the price cap was reduced by £122 annually starting July 1, 2024, expenses remain high compared to previous years.
Multiple companies, including British Gas and Octopus Energy, provide grants and other support if you struggle to pay your bills. Each company has distinct schemes and criteria for accessing assistance.
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British Gas
British Gas has dedicated £200 million through its Energy Support Fund to help customers in financial difficulty. Since 2021, more than 2.2 million British Gas customers have benefited from energy debt write-off grants of up to £2,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applying for funding to pay off an existing debt for gas, electricity, or both gas and electricity. account associated with the main residence.
- Debt must range from £250 to £2,000.
- Eligible for one grant within 12 months.
- Must be experiencing or facing fuel poverty.
Additional Support
British Gas has also introduced the “You Pay: We Pay” initiative, which matches 100% of energy payments made by needy customers. This £15 million program assists customers at risk of falling into debt or those already in debt.
ScottishPower
ScottishPower has allocated over £60 million through its Hardship Fund to help customers struggling with their energy bills.
Eligibility Criteria
You might qualify for assistance if you receive support from benefits like:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
Help may also be available if you have a low household income or if special circumstances, like illness, have affected your earnings.
Application Process
You can reach a recognized debt advice agency, such as Step Change, online or by phone at 0800 138 1111.
EDF
The Consumer Support Fund, provided by EDF, offers financial grants to assist customers who are facing challenges with energy debt and are considered vulnerable. This initiative aims to help those in need by alleviating their energy-related financial burdens.
Support Offered
- Grants to clear debt.
- Provision of essential white goods, such as fridges or cookers.
Application Process
To apply, visit EDF’s Let’s Talk website. Before applying, you must seek independent debt advice and confirm your EDF account number and current debt amount, as well as provide information about your household finances and vulnerabilities.
Utilita
Utilita Giving, the charity partner of Utilita, offers grants to vulnerable customers to help clear energy debt.
Current Schemes
- Helping Hand Fund: Offers grants to eliminate or reduce energy debts.
Application Process
Apply via the charity’s website by submitting details of your gas/electricity debt and household finances, including benefits and pensions.
Additional Support
Utilita collaborates with IncomeMax to ensure customers claim all the benefits they are entitled to, leading to over £3 million of extra income claimed by customers in the past three years. They also partner with Let’s Talk for replacement white goods and Leap for boiler replacement services.
Utility Warehouse
Utility Warehouse offers financial support payments of up to £140 to customers who are on the verge of debt or have used up credit on their prepayment meter.
Support Offered
- Financial assistance payments.
- Budgeting advice and benefits assessments through Citizens Advice Plymouth.
Recent Initiatives
In the last year, the team has helped 6,000 customers increase their combined disposable income by £9 million by cutting unnecessary expenses and claiming additional benefits. This winter, Utility Warehouse plans to boost its team of advisors by 50% and double the financial support available.
Octopus
Octopus Energy customers can apply to the £30 million Octo Assist fund for help.
Support Offered
- Assistance with energy debt.
- Free electric blankets, thermal imaging cameras, and advice on cutting energy bills and budgeting.
Application Process
Apply online via the Octopus website.
E.ON
E.ON’s Next Energy Fund provides financial assistance to customers who are facing challenges with their energy bills. In addition to grants to help with energy debts, the fund also offers support to replace broken or inefficient appliances. This assistance can help customers improve their energy efficiency and reduce their overall energy costs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must provide documentation of their household income, which includes proving eligibility for benefits, providing pension details, and confirming any medical conditions. Before receiving help, applicants must commit to financial stability by consistently making payments over three months.
Application Process
Complete the application process by visiting the provider’s website and completing the online application form.
Other Energy Bill Help
If, as mentioned earlier, you cannot receive assistance from the funds, there are alternative sources of support you can explore.
Household Support Fund
Available to thousands across England, the Household Support Fund aids those on low income or benefits. Assistance varies based on location and may include energy vouchers or direct payments into bank accounts. Use the government’s council locator tool to find your local authority and see if you qualify for help.
Cost of Living Payment
Thousands are eligible for £300 payments to help cover essential bills.
Winter Fuel Allowances
Individuals receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits qualify for payments. In the past, individuals over 66 were universally eligible for up to £300 in energy bill assistance. However, the number of people eligible for this year’s payments has decreased.
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