British Gas prepares £2,000 handouts for state pensioners who lost Winter Fuel Payment

British Gas is set to issue £2,000 handouts to state pensioners who cruelly lost the Winter Fuel Payment in a rule shake-up and eligibility change from the new Labour Party government. Energy customers could receive up to £2,000 in support through a grant scheme this winter.

Applications for the British Gas Energy Support fund will reopen from Monday, November 4. Up to £2,000 can be handed out to help customers pay for their debts while extra funding is being dished out to advice services in England, Scotland and Wales.

British Gas said it has helped more than 21,000 customers through the scheme since 2021, however, in order to qualify certain criteria must be met. In order to apply for a grant, you must be a resident in England, Scotland, or Wales.

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You must also have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the past 12 months of your application. Because the key aim of the grant is to help with debt, you must also have an outstanding debt with a credit or prepayment meter account. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have been receiving help from a money advice or guidance agency, such as Citizens Advice, within the previous six months of their application.

British Gas Energy Trust will also assess whether you are at risk of facing or are already in fuel poverty. In order to apply for the Energy Support Fund you can head to British Gas Energy Trusts' online page. In order to send in an application you must have an account set up beforehand.

You will need to provide proof of all household income, proof of money advice or guidance received in the last six months e.g. a letter confirming advice has been provided, and give a meter reading gor your gas/electric account (unless you have a smart meter).

You must also have a bill based on actual readings fated within 4 weeks.