'£1,700' energy debt help for major energy firm customers

Customers in debt with a range of energy firms across the UK could be eligible for additional financial support. The British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity funded by British Gas, offers grants to certain customers based on their individual financial circumstances.

The Individual and Families Fund can provide a grant to households that are up to £1,700 in debt on their energy accounts, whether they have a prepayment meter or credit account. This fund is available to energy customers in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Moreover, this fund is not exclusive to British Gas customers. It can also be claimed by customers at OVO, E.ON, E.ON Next, Scottish Power, Octopus, Shell Energy, EDF, Utility Warehouse, SSE, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse.

However, it's worth noting that these suppliers each have their own energy support fund, so it's recommended to speak to them first before applying to the Individual and Families Fund.

Who qualifies for the fund?

According to the British Gas Energy Trust, customers must meet certain conditions to be considered for the Individual and Families Fund:

• Credit account customers must owe between £250 - £1,700 in energy debt
• You have received help from a money advice agency or used our trusted partner's self help Benefit Calculator tool within the last 6 months.
• You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years
• You are living in England, Scotland or Wales
• Prepayment customers must owe between £50 - £1,700 in energy debt
• You have a household income of less than £18,723 or someone in the household is registered disabled and receives a disability benefit or receives Carers Allowance or has 3+ children
• You are seeking a grant to clear outstanding debt on a current energy account in your name and place of residence. We cannot consider applications for closed accounts (I.e. if you have moved home or changed supplier)

How to apply

In order to apply for the fund through British Gas Energy Trust, you must first create an account, which you can do online here. After creating the account, head to the British Gas Energy Trust website where you can find a link to apply for all funds currently on offer.

When applying, you may be asked to provide support evidence to help the charitable trust decide whether you're eligible for a grant or not. This evidence could include:

• Household income proof from the last 6 months
• A meter read of gas and/or electric account (British Gas customers only)
• Proof of money advice/guidance in the last 6 months in the form of a standard financial statement, letter or personal action plan
• A bill on actual readings, showing your name, account number, or supply address (Non-British Gas customers only)
• Evidence you have applied to your own energy suppliers fund and been declined (Non-British Gas customers only)