British Gas Energy Trust
The British Gas Energy Trust is one of the largest energy hardship charities in the UK. It helps customers of any supplier, not just British Gas.
Applications go through a debt help specialist (Citizens Advice, StepChange, etc). Individual applications are also possible.
Successful applications typically clear energy debt of up to a few thousand pounds. Some cases include help with essential appliances too.
Supplier hardship funds
Major suppliers (EDF, Octopus, EON, Ovo, Scottish Power, Utilita and others) run their own hardship funds. These are usually only available to customers of that supplier.
Each fund has its own eligibility criteria — usually based on income, benefits, and hardship indicators.
Applications typically require documentation: income evidence, expenses breakdown, evidence of hardship or vulnerability.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off winter discount (£150 for 2025-26 winter) applied to your energy bill. It is not a grant to clear debt but reduces the annual bill for eligible households.
Eligibility is based on receiving certain benefits. Most eligible customers are auto-enrolled through DWP data-matching.
Local hardship funds
Local councils often run hardship funds via the Household Support Fund. Councils vary in what they cover but energy debt is often eligible.
Apply through your local council. Some councils use specific application windows; others accept applications continuously.