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Grants and charity payments

If you're finding it hard to cope financially there are many charities and organisations who might be able to assist you. You will find a small selection of these charities listed on this page but, and at the bottom of the page you will find details of various external websites who maintain searchable directories of a wide range of charities around the country.

Major energy suppliers are now providing grants to households experiencing financial difficulties.  Some offer support to their own customers - EDF, E.on Next and Scottish Power - whilst British Gas's hardship scheme is available to customers of other suppliers too.

Most of the help offered is in the form of a non-repayable grant worth thousands that goes towards reducing energy debts. This could be vital for struggling households as the latest predictions suggest that typical energy bills could hit over £4500 a year by January 2023.

Available to customers of other suppliers

British Gas Energy Trust 'Individuals and Families Fund' British Gas Energy Trust  Individuals and Families Fund

  • In or facing fuel poverty
  • Can't have had British Gas grant in past two years
  • See full info on the British Gas website

Grant of up to £1,500

Apply via the British Gas website

Available to their own customers

 EDF Energy Customer Support Fund

  • Experiencing hardship, or struggling to manage energy debt
  • See full info on the EDF website

Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value

Via the 'Let's Talk' web form or by calling 0800 269 450 (1)

 E.on Next Energy Fund

Also open to customers of Sainsbury's Energy

  • No set criteria, but based on needs and ability to pay energy bills
  • See full info on the E.on Next website

Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value

Via the 'Let's Talk' web form or by calling 03303 801 090 (1)

Octopus Energy Octo Assist Fund

Also open to customers of: Affect Energy, Co-operative Energy, Ebico Living, London Power, M&S Energy

No set grant limit – depends on your circumstances

Via the Octopus web form (you must be logged into your account)

 Scottish Power Hardship Fund

  • In receipt of: income support, jobseeker's allowance, pension credit, or employment and support allowance
  • See full info on the Scottish Power website

Grant value varies depending on need and funds available

Via Scottish Power's web form

 Ovo Energy Hardship Scheme 

Also open to customers of: Boost, SSE

  • Experiencing hardship, or struggling to manage energy debt
  • See more info on the Ovo website

Call Ovo on 0330 303 5063 or use its live chat (online form coming soon)

 Shell Energy Support Fund

No set grant limit – depends on your circumstances

Call Shell on 0330 094 5800

Utility Warehouse  Customer Support Scheme

  • In fuel poverty, or about to go into energy debt or run out of prepay credit
  • See full info on the Utility Warehouse website

Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value

Call Utility Warehouse on 0333 777 0777 

 

(1) 'Let's Talk' is part of 'Charis', an organisation that helps support those in utility debt.

Other information and advice

The Charities Commission website allows you to search for particular charities according to your situation; use the 'Advanced Search' function for the best results.

The Charity Choice website also has a searchable directory of charities from around the country.

Turn2Us provide a Grant search function.

Disability Grants UK is a website listing charitable organisations offering grants to disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, to cover the costs of mobility aids, household goods, rent, bills and unexpected expenses..

If you have previously served in the armed forces you may find it useful to look at our page on Support for veterans.

Last updated: 05/06/2024