The British Gas Energy Trust runs two separate funds offering grants to help clear energy debt – up to £2,000 for British Gas customers and up to £1,700 for customers of any UK energy supplier
The Energy Support Fund (ESF), managed by the British Gas Energy Trust, offers grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas customers in order to help them settle their energy debt. The ESF works alongside another fund run by the Trust, the Individuals and Families Fund (IandF).
This provides up to £1,700 to customers of any energy supplier, provided their own supplier doesn’t have a similar scheme or if they can demonstrate that their application to such a scheme was unsuccessful. In the previous year, the IandF fund aided 2,051 households across England, Scotland and Wales, wiping off more than £947,000 of energy debt.
These funds have been a lifeline for those hit hard by the escalating cost of living, including a 37 year old mum and her two children living in a Housing Association property, who received an energy grant of £788. After a motorbike accident in 2023 left her with severe leg injuries and her youngest child injured, she found herself disabled and unable to work, leading to financial strain, reports the Daily Record.
Although she now receives Universal Credit, Child Benefit, housing support, and disability benefits for both her and her child, initial delays in payments led to her falling behind on household bills. With assistance from StepChange, she is now managing her debts and feels confident about keeping up with future energy costs once her arrears are cleared. The £788 grant from the British Gas Energy Trust has helped her regain financial stability.
Jessica Taplin, chief executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “Many households across Britain continue to struggle with high energy costs alongside other financial challenges, and this means we can once again provide vital support, regardless of which energy supplier they’re with. This fund will help those who need it most get back on stable ground and feel confident in keeping their homes and families warm and safe.”
How to secure assistance this winter
To be considered for the funds, applicants must reside in England, Scotland or Wales, and must have obtained money advice within the previous six months. Applicants need to be looking to settle outstanding debt on a current energy account registered in their name at their home address. Complete information regarding eligibility requirements and the application process is available on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
Individuals and Families Fund
The Individuals and Families Fund presently offers energy debt assistance to qualifying households carrying up to £1,700 of outstanding balance on a prepayment meter account. Prior to submitting an application, claimants must obtain financial counselling from an approved money advice service or utilise the digital budgeting resource provided within the application process.
The scheme welcomes both British Gas and non-British Gas clientele. Additional qualifying conditions apply, with complete information available on the website here.