Application Process
Anyone seeking help from the Trust must fill in the Trust's application form. If an applicant would prefer us to speak to someone else about their application, they must give details of this third party in section 5 of the application. In all cases the applicant must sign section 12 of the form (unless Power of Attorney is applicable). We treat all applications in the strictest confidence.
There are a number of ways in which to apply to the EDF Energy Trust:
The quickest way to apply, if you have access to the internet, is via the Trust’s Online Application Form. The Trust takes great care in creating online facilities that support you through the application process. You can start completing the form and come back to it at any time with guidance given at each step.
However we understand that this may not suit all applicants who may prefer to complete a copy of the application form by hand. It is possible to print a copy of the application form by clicking here. This can then be completed by hand and submitted via our freepost address. Or an application form may be obtained from a local advice agency.
In all cases we cannot begin to assess an application until all supporting documentation is provided.
In all cases the Trust will acknowledge receipt of an application. If further information is required to assess the application, this will usually be requested at the acknowledgement stage. An applicant is given four weeks to provide the required information. If the applicant does not reply within four weeks their application is closed because we assume they no longer want to apply. If they have difficulty in obtaining the information needed to send to the Trust (for example, if they are waiting for information from the DWP) they should let the Trust know before the four weeks is up. The Trust can then give them more time to send in what is needed.
If an applicant is asking for help with a gas or electricity debt, we will contact the supplying company so that they can confirm how much the applicant owes.
The Trust’s Decision
The Trust always writes to inform an applicant (or to their nominated third party if this is requested in Section 5) if they have been successful or unsuccessful in their application for an award.
If an applicant is successful in obtaining a grant to clear their gas / electricity debts, the Trust writes to inform them (or their nominated third party) of this and a payment is made directly to their energy account via their supplying company.
Similarly, if an applicant is successful in obtaining a grant to clear other household debts or to purchase essential household items, the Trust will write to inform them and how the award will be paid. This is usually via cheques made out to the supplying company, or Argos vouchers for a specific item (non-transferable).
If the Trust is unable to help an applicant the Trust will write to inform them (or their nominated third party).
Applying to the Trust again
An applicant who receives as award cannot re-apply to the Trust for a period of two years.
If an applicant is not successful, they can re-apply after six months.
The decision of the Trust is final, and the Trust does not operate an appeals procedure.
