British Gas will pay up to £1,700 to 'customers and non-customers'

British Gas is inviting people to apply for grants of £1,700 if they are struggling with energy debt. Support is available from the British Gas Energy Trust - and households don't have to be British Gas customers to get help.

The energy giant said it would help both British Gas customers and non-customers. The trust said it expected more people to struggle this year following the Government's controversial decision to make Winter Fuel Payments means-tested.

It helped over 5,300 households with more than £7.8m in energy debt grants in 2023/24 and is now inviting households to come forward again. Chief Executive of the trust, Jessica Taplin, said: “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.

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"This fund will help us support as many eligible households as possible across Britain, whether British Gas customer or otherwise.” The fund can help households with up to £1,700 worth of debt on a credit or pre-payment account.

Applications can be made here. The trust added: "Before applying, you must receive money guidance from a money advice agency or use the online budgeting tool available as part of the application. The fund is open to British Gas and non-British Gas customers, but if your energy supplier has its own support fund, you will be unable to apply."