State pensioners battling energy bill debts could be eligible to apply for grants worth up to £2,000 through the British Gas Energy Support Fund this winter, but only if they meet certain criteria.
The cost of living scheme is available to the energy supplier’s customers across England, Scotland and Wales who hold either credit or pre-payment meter accounts with the firm.
Applicants must demonstrate they are experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty, which is the term used to describe when someone cannot adequately afford to heat their home.
Those with pre-payment meters need a minimum outstanding balance of £50, while credit account holders require at least £250 in arrears. The maximum debt covered is £2,000.
British Gas is offering state pensioners up to £2,000 in energy bill support
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Recipients cannot have obtained a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the previous 12 months, and the customer’s account must relate to their primary residence.
The support comes as households endure their fifth consecutive winter of unaffordable energy costs, with temperatures across the UK plummeting to sub-zero in the past week.
Electricity-only customers saw their bills increase by 5.1 per cent when the new year began, as Ofgem hiked the energy price cap, adding further strain to already stretched budgets.
Despite the return of the Winter Fuel Payment for thousands of older households, alongside forthcoming rises to the National Living Wage in April and enhanced Universal Credit payments, analysts note families continue to struggle financially.
Energy bills are expected to rise this winter | GETTY
Average household energy bills remain approximately £700 above pre-crisis levels, with gas and electricity costs initially spiking in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Even after Budget measures take effect in spring 2026, typical costs will still exceed those seen during winter 2020/2021 and surpass the price cap level at the last general election.
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has previously warned that unsafe housing conditions are becoming increasingly embedded across the country, which has been a factor in Britain’s energy woes.
Nearly a third of adults report being unable to heat their homes to the recommended minimum of 18 degrees, according to polling cited by the consumer rights group.
Eligibility of Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2024 to 2025 linked to means-tested benefits | DWP
The situation is particularly acute for 14 per cent of the population who describe their living conditions as cold and damp. Low-income households, families with children and those with long-term health conditions face disproportionately higher rates.
Campaigners warn these circumstances pose genuine dangers beyond mere discomfort. Among residents of cold, damp properties, almost one in five report experiencing elevated carbon monoxide levels in their homes over the past year.
Simon Francis, the coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “Households are facing their fifth winter of unaffordable energy bills. For millions of people, this cold isn’t an inconvenience, it’s a real risk to health and safety as they struggle to keep homes warm.
“More households are being pushed into cold, damp homes where cutting back on heating, delaying repairs and blocking ventilation increases the danger of carbon monoxide exposure.”
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Analysis reveals 27 energy companies have accumulated more than £125 billion in UK profits since 2020, with over four-fifths derived from gas industry operations. Mr Francis called on ministers to fund the Warm Homes Plan and introduce a fair social tariff.
As well as British Gas’ Energy Support Fund, the supplier also provides a similar Individual and Families Fund. This scheme offers grants of up to £1,700 for energy debts.
The Trust states: “Please note that the British Gas Energy Trust is interested in funding applications where the applicant can show a sustainable position moving forward.
“We believe that it is rarely in the person’s best interest to seek a debt write-off, without dealing with the underlying problem of a deficit budget, due to this, deficit budgets will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, and there is some allowance for marginal exceptions.”
Those who believe they could be eligible for energy bill support are able to apply via the British Gas Energy Trust website.