British Gas hardship fund opens TODAY and you get £1,500 FREE towards energy bills – and you don’t have to be a customer

HARD-UP households can get extra cash from TODAY to help cover the rising cost of gas and electric.

Charity grants worth as much as £1,500 are being dished out to those most in need from today, Friday July 1.

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The British Gas Energy Trust is opening its scheme again - and you don't have to be a customer of the supplier to apply.

The money is designed to help those struggling with energy bill debts.

The supplier already offers its customers grants of up to £750 if they're struggling with energy cost through a £6million fund.

A separate scheme will open again for any one who needs help, regardless of their supplier, from today.

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But you'll still need to qualify for the scheme, like having less than £1,000 in savings, and there is likely to have high demand.

Energy bills have rocketed in recent months as the price cap limiting bills for millions of billpayers shot up 54% in April.

And a further £1,000 could be added to the average duel fuel bill again in October.

Several energy suppliers offer grants to struggling customers through hardship funds.

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The British Gas Energy Trust is unusual in that it also offers grants to non-customers.

You'll be able to apply for the help through the

To be eligible you must have an energy debt you're looking to clear off and have sought help from a money service, like Citizen's Advice or Stepchange.

You also can't have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years.

It can take time to assess your application - you won't get the cash immediately.

And as there's likely to be high demand, be aware that the cash is likely to go to those most in need.

It's worth checking with your own provider if they can offer similar help.

Octopus Energy, Scottish Power and Bulb are among those offering hardship funds.

The eligibility and amounts available can vary.

If you are struggling with your bills then there are a number of charities and organisations which may be able to help, on top of the providers that offer their own grants.

Try chatting to these organisations as they may be able to help you piece your finances back together:

•  - 0808 808 4000
•  - 0800 138 1111
•  - 0808 800 9060

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Meanwhile every household will get a £400 payment to cover their energy bills this winter.

And if you're on Universal Credit or certain other benefits then you'll get the first half of a £650 cost of living payment within WEEKS.