If your family is experiencing financial hardship, grants and funds are available to help you heat your home.
The eligibility requirements vary between each grant and fund.
Often, before you apply, you will need to:
- have spoken to a debt adviser
- show proof of your income
- explain why you’re behind on your bills
British Gas Energy Trust
The British Gas Energy Trust aims to help families who are experiencing financial hardship and are struggling with gas and electricity debts. The trust awards grants to those who can show that once their debts are clear, will be able to meet energy costs in the future. You do not have to be a customer of British gas to apply for a grant.
Find out more on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
The EDF customer support fund provides support for individuals struggling to manage household energy debt. As well as providing support for energy efficient white goods. They may ask you to take certain actions to help you get back on track with your energy payments.
Find out more on the EDF Energy Fund webpage.
Eon Next Energy Fund
This fund aims to help vulnerable existing or previous customers of Eon Energy. The fund can help pay current or final Eon energy bills and can help customers by providing replacement white goods and gas boilers.
Find out about the Eon Next Energy Fund on the Eon Next Energy Fund website.
Octopus Assist Fund
You must be an Octopus Energy customer to apply for this fund. Get in touch with them if you are struggling with your energy bills. They have set up £5 million fund to support their customers. The claim form is online and will ask you about your financial circumstances.
Find out more on the Octopus Energy website.
Ovo Energy Fund
You will need to be an Ovo Energy customer to apply for this fund. This fund helps customers who have fallen behind with payments. Some of the money will cover your debt while the rest goes towards current energy costs. This fund also offers a payment plan tailored to suit your circumstances to make the cost of energy manageable, broken down weekly if needed.
Find out more on the Ovo Energy website.
Scottish Power Hardship Fund
You will need to be a Scottish Power customer and be in receipt one of the following to apply for this fund:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
You may also be considered if you are on a low income (perhaps due to ill health). To establish if you are eligible, you will also need to have contacted a debt advice agency such as Step Change Debt Charity.
Find out more on the Scottish Power website.
Shell Energy Trust Fund
This fund is also on offer to help those in most need. You will need to be a Shell Energy customer to apply for the trust fund.
Find out more on the Shell Energy website.