The larger utility suppliers have trust funds which can be accessed to obtain help with gas and electricity arrears. Generally, you must access your own suppliers fund, but if there is not one than an application can be made instead to the British Gas Energy Trust Fund.
Each fund tends to have its own rules for accessing the fund but generally each provides help to clear domestic electricity and gas debts.
It should be noted that the funds will only award to those applicants who demonstrate their commitment to improving their own financial stability and want to see that any award will make a long term difference to an applicant’s situation. They do not intend to provide short term assistance to an applicant whose situation is unlikely to improve.
Usually only the person named on the bill can apply for help with gas and electricity.
To complete an application, you should provide:
- Proof of income in the form of wage slips, benefit award letters or bank statements
- Proof of health conditions
- If not on a prepayment meter, most recent bill and meter readings
Please note that the funds have limited budgets and even if you meet the criteria there is no guarantee that a payment can be made. If an award is made you cannot reapply within two years. If you are refused, then you can reapply at any time if your circumstances change.
