Households across Britain are being urged to check their eligibility for vital energy debt grants this winter, with support worth up to £2,000 available for some customers.
Two Key Funds Offering a Financial Lifeline
The British Gas Energy Trust is currently operating two separate funds designed to help clear domestic energy arrears. The first is the Energy Support Fund (ESF), which offers grants of up to £2,000 specifically for British Gas customers to settle outstanding debt.
The second is the Individuals and Families Fund (IandF). This scheme provides broader support, offering up to £1,700 to customers of any UK energy supplier. Eligibility requires that the applicant's own supplier does not run a comparable scheme, or that they can prove an application to their supplier's scheme was unsuccessful.
Real-World Impact and Eligibility Criteria
These funds have proven crucial for families grappling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. Last year, the IandF fund alone assisted 2,051 households in England, Scotland, and Wales, clearing more than £947,000 of energy debt.
One beneficiary was a 37-year-old mother of two, living in a Housing Association property. Following a motorbike accident in 2023 that left her with severe leg injuries and rendered her unable to work, she fell behind on bills despite later receiving Universal Credit and disability benefits. A grant of £788 from the British Gas Energy Trust helped her regain financial stability and confidence in managing future costs.
Jessica Taplin, chief executive of the British Gas Energy Trust, stated: "Many households across Britain continue to struggle with high energy costs alongside other financial challenges... 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 Apply for Support
To be considered for either fund, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Reside in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Have sought professional money advice within the last six months.
- Be seeking to clear debt on a current energy account in their name at their home address.
For the Individuals and Families Fund, assistance is targeted at those with up to £1,700 of debt on a prepayment meter. Applicants must use the digital budgeting tool within the application or obtain advice from an approved money advice service before applying.
Full details on eligibility and the application process are available on the British Gas Energy Trust website. The Trust emphasises that this support is a lifeline for many and encourages all those struggling with energy arrears to explore their options.
