British Gas is offering people £2,000 energy bill help (Image: Getty)
The British Gas Energy Trust comprises two funds – the British Gas Energy Support Fund (ESF) and The Individual and Families Fund (IFF). The key difference between the two is that the former is exclusively for British Gas customers, while the latter is also open to non-British Gas customers.
The British Gas Energy Support Fund can provide up to £2,000 in energy debt relief, while the Individual and Families Fund offers grants worth up to £1,700. Both funds are available to households in England, Wales and Scotland who pay for their energy through a prepayment meter or direct debit.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are experiencing fuel poverty, defined by the government as having to spend a large portion of income on home heating. Prepayment meter customers with an energy debt between £50 and £1,700 can apply for a grant through the IFF, while those paying via direct debit must have a debt of £250 to £1,700.
A leading energy supplier is offering struggling households grants of up to £2,000 to cover bills, as new figures reveal thousands are missing out. The assistance is provided through the British Gas Energy Trust (BGET), and applications are open even to non-British Gas customers.
Households in England, Wales and Scotland that are in energy debt or facing financial hardship can apply. Up to £2,000 worth of energy debt can be cleared, depending on individual circumstances.
However, recent data from British Gas shows that grant applications have nearly halved compared to last winter. Between November 2023 and January 2024, BGET received 3,518 applications, but only 1,574 between last November and January 20.
The current funding round is expected to remain open until the start of summer, so there’s still time to apply. From Thursday, British Gas will send out 100,000 letters to UK households reminding them they could be eligible for help.
This additional support could prove useful, especially as energy bills have increased for millions due to the Ofgem price cap. The average household with typical usage has seen their bills rise from £1,717 a year to £1,738 a year, or 1.2%.
To qualify for the ESF, you must be a prepayment meter customer with an energy debt of at least £50, or a direct debit customer with a debt of £250 or more. Assistance from a money advice or guidance agency like Citizens Advice within the last six months is also required.
Applications and further information can be found at: . If eligible, any funds received will be credited to your account, not paid in cash.