making a fresh start with energy debt

Grants to Individuals

What help can I get?

 

The Trust can help you with:

  • debts of domestic gas / electricity charges
  • other priority debts and essential household items. You can apply for such help even if you do not apply for help with your gas and/or electricity charges. These are called Further Assistance Payments (FAPs) - see below.

On your application form you must explain the complete history of how and why a particular debt has arisen, how long you have had problems paying the bill and any particular hardship in your household.

FURTHER ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

Payments for other debts will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and where you can show that clearing them will enable you to budget better for your current bills. You must attach a copy of your most recent bill or demand for payment showing the up to date balance on your account.

The following are some examples of the types of Further Assistance Payments you can apply for.

Council Tax Debts - Payment will only be made in the most exceptional circumstances. Applications must always explain the history of the debt and current stage of enforcement.

Telephone Debts - Payments for these debts may be considered when there is a serious social or medical need for the phone to remain connected or be reconnected. Such a need must be supported by evidence from someone like your GP, health visitor or social worker.

Household Items - Payment for items such as electric cookers, washing machines, fridges or beds may be made where a special need for the item can be shown. We will need a letter from a social worker or advice worker confirming that you need it. If you need the item because of a disability in your family, you will also need to send us proof of that illness or disability. The Trust should not be seen as an alternative to Social Fund Community Care Grants.

Bankruptcy Deposits / Debt Relief Orders (DRO) - Applicants must bot have previously been declared bankrupt nor be a home owner. They must provide a full list of debts and have received advice from a professional advice worker or intermediary. Bankruptcy applications will be considered from those with assets above a value of £1,000 and total debts less than £1,000. DRO applications MUST include the ID number generated from the Insolvency Service's online application process.

Funeral Expenses - A payment may be considered where outstanding funeral expenses are causing hardship. Applications should indicate whether a payment has been received from the Social Fund towards those funeral expenses. Please tell us your relationship with the person who has died and why the estate of the deceased was unable to pay the funeral expenses.

Rent Debts - Payments will only be considered in the most exceptional circumstances. Applications must always explain the history and current stage of proceedings.

 

The Trust cannot give you a loan, nor can it give you help with any bills you have already paid or any items you have already bought. The Trust cannot help you with the following:

  • Fines for criminal offences
  • Overpayments of benefits
  • Educational or training needs
  • Business debts
  • Debts to central or local government departments, e.g. tax and national insurance
  • Catalogues, credits cards, personal loans and other forms of non-secured lending
  • Holidays
  • Medical equipment, aids and adaptations
  • Deposits to secure accommodation