Here's a break down of the grants offered by both energy suppliers and the Government - don't miss your opportunity to get support as energy bills soar
Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert website has flagged the energy companies that are offering hardship funds worth up to £1,500 as bills continue to rise.
You might find you're eligible for a non-repayable grant that goes towards reducing energy debts.
The money could be a lifeline for many struggling families as energy bills continue to rise at an astronomical rate.
In order to apply, most applicants will also need to have spoken to a debt adviser from an agency like Citizens Advice before applying.
You'll also need to show proof of your income and your living situation, and explain why you're struggling to pay your bills.
Here’s what is available at some of the leading energy companies, as flagged by the MoneySavingExpert team in its latest newsletter.
Are you worried about rising energy bills? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
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British Gas
British Gas has reopened its hardship fund for non-customers with grants worth up to £1,500 for struggling households.
To be eligible for help, you need to live in England, Scotland or Wales and be in debt to your energy company (not specific to British Gas).
You must also not have more than £1,000 in savings and have received help from a money advice agency.
The easiest - and the free way - to do this is through a charity.
The main ones who will help you with energy bills are National Energy Action, Home Energy Scotland and Citizens Advice.
For existing British Gas customers, there is a separate Energy Support Fund for its customers that runs all-year round.
Through this help, you can apply for a grant worth between £250 to £750.
You have to be in energy debt of at least £250 and not have more than £1,000 in savings.
If you're accepted for a grant through either scheme, the money doesn't need to be paid back.
EDF Energy
EDF supplier has not confirmed the size of the grants it is handing out through its hardship fund.
You will be entitled for the grant if you are experiencing hardship, struggling to manage energy debt.
EDF customers need to register for its priority services in order to access its emergency fund.
You will need your EDF Energy electricity or gas account number to apply, as well as evidence of any benefits your household receives.
EDF will assess your circ*mstances to determine how much of a grant it can award you.
You can apply through the "Let's Talk" web form or by calling 0800 269 450
E.ON and E.ON Next
E.ON and E.ON Next customers can apply for a grant to help clear energy debts.
The funds can also help replace household items such as cookers, fridges, fridge-freezers, washing machines and gas boilers.
There isn't a specific set of criteria and it doesn't say how much you might be able to claim.
However, the energy firm says applications from individuals with the greatest needs will be prioritised.
Apply through the "Let's Talk" web form or by calling 03303 801 090.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy offers a number of support options based on circ*mstances and your needs.
For example, it can help you access existing schemes, provide monetary support, or a loan of a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home.
There is no specific eligibility criteria for the Octopus Energy fund - instead the company urges anyone who is struggling to get in touch.
As well as Octopus Energy customers, this is also available to those who are signed up to: Affect Energy, Co-operative Energy, Ebico Living, London Power, M&S Energy.
You can apply through the Octopus web form.
Scottish Power
The Scottish Power Hardship Fund offers grants worth up to £750.
The size will vary depending on need and funds available.
You could qualify if you receive Income Support, Job Seekers’ Allowance, Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.
Households who have a low household income or who have special circ*mstances - such as experiencing an income reduction due to illness - might also be eligible.
The money is debited to your Scottish Power energy account.
In order to apply for the fund, you must first contact a debt advice agency.
You will then need to apply through the web form on the Scottish Power website.
Shell Energy
Again, there is no set limit nor criteria for this fund.
Read more about the £5 million fund here.
This fund is intended to alleviate some of the financial hardship and account debt for energy and broadband customers who need it most.
You can claim this fund by calling Shell on 0330 094 5800.
Utility Warehouse
This hardship fund is in partnership with Citizens Advice.
You may qualify for this fund if you are in fuel poverty, or about to go into energy debt or run out of prepay credit.
The supplier has not confirmed how much the grants are.
Call Utility Warehouse on 0333 777 0777 to apply.
Bulb and Ovo Energy also offer hardship funds but they are not currently accepting applications.
