British Gas, Octopus, OVO and E.ON customers can get a £1,700 grant to pay for energy bills - check your eligibility

Customers of all major suppliers such as British Gas, OVO energy, EDF, and Octopus Energy can apply for this financial relief if they can't keep up with rising bills.

Under the new energy price cap, the typical annual dual-fuel bill paid by direct debit is now £1,568 per year. Although bills are at their lowest for two years, they remain about £400 higher than they were three years ago.

From October 1, this will rise to £1,717 a year so the grant may be needed now more than ever.

Applications for a share of the fund closed on March 8, 2024, However, the scheme has reopened at a crucial time for many families.

With the change in criteria for Winter Fuel Payments, an estimated 10 million seniors will miss out on support this year. However with the scheme, they may be able to get help with energy debt.

The Individual and Families Fund was first set up in 2021 to help households struggling with energy debt.

In the previous year, more than 5,300 households benefited from over £7.8million in energy debt grants, with over £5.1million going to those in England.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the Trust, urged: "We encourage applications to the Individuals and Families Fund from anyone that needs support with their energy debt.

"The change in eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payments, coupled with the energy price cap increase from October, means more people might find themselves struggling with their bills as we head towards winter.

"This fund will help us support as many eligible households as possible across Britain, whether British Gas customer or otherwise."

Energy customers could previously get up to £1,500 in help from the fund, but it has increased to £1,700 this winter to help an increasing number of households in debt.

Ofgem figures show that energy debt rose to a new record of £3.3billion in the first quarter of 2024. However, not everyone will be eligible for a grant under the British Gas Energy Trust's scheme.

Who is eligible?

• Pre-payment meter customers who have between £50 and £1,700 of energy debt
• Credit customers who have between £250 and £1,700 of energy debt
• Those living in England, Scotland, or Wales
• Those who have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years
• Those who are seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account. The account must be in their name and relate to their main residence
• Those who have received help from a money advice agency within the last six months

The Trust also finances 29 money and energy advice projects in community-based charities and social enterprises across England.

These initiatives offer clients free and impartial advice on topics such as budget planning, benefits and income maximisation checks, energy efficiency measures and generalist subjects like housing, employment and mental health support,