British Gas offers £2,000 energy bill help for struggling customers - can you claim?

This marks a £500 increase from last year's maximum grant amount, reflecting the ongoing cost of living crisis affecting households across the UK.

The fund, managed by the British Gas Energy Trust, aims to provide crucial financial assistance to those facing difficulties in paying their energy bills. It comes at a time when many Britons are grappling with rising living costs and energy prices.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, said: "The ongoing cost of living crisis will continue to hit the poorest people the hardest and, as an organisation, our ambition is to deliver the help and support needed to break the cycle of energy deprivation and help people avoid the burden of energy debt."

To be eligible for the grant, customers must reside in England, Scotland, or Wales and have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust in the past 12 months. Applicants must have either a credit or prepayment meter with an outstanding account debt.

The fund requires proof that applicants have sought money advice or guidance within the last six months from organisations such as StepChange or Citizens Advice. This requirement ensures that recipients are actively seeking financial support.

Applicants will need to provide proof of income, which will be assessed alongside household outgoings to determine if they are in or at risk of fuel poverty. This will help the Trust target support to those most in need.

The British Gas Energy Trust will verify account balances for British Gas customers as part of the application process. Debts exceeding £1,700 may result in declined applications.

To apply for the grant, customers can visit the British Gas Energy Trust's website at britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available. Applicants will need to create an account or have an application sent through an agency's account.

Required documentation includes proof of all household income, evidence of money advice received in the last six months, a recent meter reading (unless using a smart meter), and a bill dated within four weeks showing the applicant's name and account number (for non-British Gas customers).

Taplin emphasised the Trust's commitment, stating: "Since the Trust was founded 20 years ago, it has made significant difference to the lives of the most financially vulnerable people in communities across Britain."

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The £20m donation from British Gas will enable the Trust to continue supporting those in financial hardship, helping them meet energy needs and improve money management skills.

The British Gas Energy Trust also operates another fund called the Individuals and Families Fund, which is open to customers of other energy suppliers.

This fund can assist those with arrears of up to £1,700, regardless of their provider. However, customers of OVO, Boost, Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Octopus, Shell Energy, SSE and Utilita are encouraged to apply directly to their own suppliers' support schemes.

The Trust's efforts come in the wake of changes to the winter fuel payment, which is now means-tested. This has led to concerns about the impact on pensioners just above the threshold for Pension Credit.

Since 2021, the British Gas Energy Support Fund has helped over 21,000 customers, demonstrating its significant role in addressing energy deprivation and financial hardship across Britain.