Five hardship grants to help with energy bills - from Octopus to British Gas
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, then you may be able to apply for a hardship grant from your energy supplier.
While Ofgem lowered the energy price cap at the start of October, bills still remain high at £1,834 a year for a typical household on a standard variable tariff. Many people are set to struggle over the coming winter months. If you don't think you can cover your next energy bill, or the cost of your energy bills is becoming unmanageable, then you should speak to your supplier as soon as you can.
If your supplier knows your situation then it can put things in place to help you - under Ofgem rules, all suppliers have to do this.
Your supplier can offer you a range of options which could help, which include:
- A full payment plan review
- Affordable debt repayment plans
- Payment breaks (though this won't be right for everyone)
- Payment reductions
- More time to pay
Another way energy companies are helping customers is by providing cash through a Hardship payment. Here have rounded up some of the energy companies which provide this type of support as well as the other help which you could receive.
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British Gas
British Gas offers both customers and non-customers grants worth up to £1,500 if they are struggling. The energy supplier opened its application process for customers on October 2 and eligible customers could receive up to £1,500 to help with energy costs, a £250 non-repayable credit if they are on a prepayment meter, or they could have their debts written off if they are unable to pay.
To be considered for a grant you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and be in debt on your gas, electric or both accounts. You'll also need to have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years if you're not a customer, and in the last 12 months if you are.
For non customers must also not have more than £1,000 in savings and have received help from a money advice agency. You can visit the British Gas website here to find out more on what help you can be offered if you are a customer or non customer.
Scottish Power
The Scottish Power Hardship Fund offers grants worth up to £750 to help with energy bills. To be eligible for the support you would need to be claiming one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
However, households who have a low household income or who have special circumstances - such as experiencing an income reduction due to illness - might also be eligible.
If you think you're eligible for the cash grant you can apply online on the supplier's website and you should get a response within five working days. Once accepted, the money is debited to your Scottish Power Energy account.
Scottish Power offers the fund all year round, so hard-up customers can apply now and like other hardship funds, the amount you can get will again depend on your situation and needs.
You should be aware that in order to apply for the fund, you must first contact a debt advice agency, and then apply through the Scottish Power website.
E.ON Next
E.ON Next customers can apply for a grant to help clear debts through its Energy Fund. E.ON Next does say it will distribute grants to help customers pay they energy bills however it also does not confirm how much you could get. The funds can also be used to help replace household appliances such as cookers, fridges, fridge-freezers, washing machines and gas boilers.
E.ON doesn't have specific eligibility criteria but the fund aims to help as many people as possible and applications from individuals with the greatest needs will be prioritised.
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You'll need to show "a willingness to pay your ongoing energy bills" and provide evidence of any benefits you are in receipt of, or medical conditions. E.ON Next does recommend all applicants for the grants to have received advice from a debt agency before applying. Sainsbury's Energy customers can apply for this grant as well.
EDF
EDF customers can apply for help through its Customer Support Fund if they are experiencing hardship or struggling to manage energy debt. Again, EDF does not confirm how much people could get through the scheme although it does say that help will be given dependent on your personal circumstances.
The Customer Support Fund can also provide help in buying energy-efficient white goods to help customers reduce their bills long term. You will need your EDF Energy electricity or gas account number to apply, as well as evidence of any benefits your household receives.
Again, EDF says you need to have sought independent debt advice before you apply for help. When applying, you'll need to have your EDF account number and current energy debt balances ready, along with details of your household finances and vulnerability.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy offers a number of support options through its Octo Assist Fund. It could help you access existing schemes, provide cash support, or a loan of a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home.
There are no specific eligibility criteria for the Octopus Energy Fund - instead, the company urges anyone who is struggling to get in touch. To apply, customers just need to fill out the financial support form online, here. The online form asks you a series of questions about your financial situation. From there, it’ll be decided what the most appropriate means to help is and just how they’ll be able to support.
This scheme is also available to those who are signed up to: Affect Energy, Co-operative Energy, Ebico Living, London Power, M&S Energy.
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