Scottish Power/ utility comp hardship fund?

lemonpopsicle · 5 February 2013 at 5:11PM

I have been treated for cancer since last October and haven't been able to work, my husband is self employed and earns very little. Basically because I've been at home our gas usage has shot up and when I read the meter yesterday we owe Scottish Power £250 even though I paid a DD for £111 the day before. I phoned SP and asked them not to put the DD up, but we've still got this debt hanging over us. Does anyone know if there's a hardship fund we can apply to? Thanks

rogerblack · 5 February 2013 at 6:40PM

I am unsure if the entry for this year has closed.
http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/service-and-standards/warm-home-discount
Have you applied for emplyment and support allowance?
If you have not, and you have contributions in 2010/11 11/12 - you may be paid regardless of your husbands salary. (assuming you're not receiving statutory sick pay)
If you are undergoing, or recovering from chemotherapy for cancer - you should be able to be 'fast tracked' into the support group of ESA.
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/overview

lemonpopsicle · 5 February 2013 at 7:10PM

Thanks rogerblack I have filled in the online form with Scottish Power and it's gone through, so now I just need to wait and see. I'll look into your other suggestions too. xx

Willing2Learn · 6 February 2013 at 2:26AM

Hi,

Check out the British Gas Energy Trust. They are an independent charitable trust.

Applications to the British Gas Energy Trust are welcomed from individuals and families in need, suffering or other distress.

Applications are welcomed from customers of all energy companies – applications are not restricted to customers of British/Scottish Gas however you must be living within England, Scotland or Wales to be eligible to apply.

The Trust prioritises help to applicants who are clearly struggling to pay their domestic gas and electricity bills.

Only the account holder can apply for a grant to clear a utility debt – gas, electricity, water or sewerage. If the account holder is unable to complete the application form, an explanation must be given why someone else is doing so on their behalf.

Do take a look at their criteria and make an application if you think you may be eligible.

They also do grants for a number of other things such as council tax debt, telephone debt and boiler repairs too. So make sure you have a good read.

lemonpopsicle · 6 February 2013 at 3:27PM

Thanks for the info Willing2learn, I've applied to them this morning, fingers crossed. xx

Scottish Power/ utility comp hardship fund?

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