BILL HELP

Eight energy grants and freebies to claim now as bills could hit £5,000 next year

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MILLIONS of households are entitled to hundreds in energy bill support this winter, but some could get more than others.

And with energy bills now predicted to hit £5,000 in April, it's worth knowing what you can get.

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Millions of households are eligible for hundreds in energy bill support this winterCredit: Avalon.red

On Monday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the Energy Price Guarantee, which limits average bills to £2,500, will come to an end in the spring - one year and six months earlier than planned.

It could mean millions will see their energy bills soar once the guarantee is up.

It comes as the new Chancellor announced a number of mega mini-Budget U-turns yesterday in a bid to calm markets.

Regulator Ofgem has yet to set the energy price cap for April amid uncertainty about what will happen to the wholesale cost of gas.

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But consultancy firm Auxilione forecasts that average bills could hit £5,078 and RBC Capital Markets predicts £4,684 a year.

Thousands in cash support is already being dished out by the state - but how much you'll get will depend on your personal circumstances.

For example, every household is eligible for a £400 energy bill discount but only those on Universal Credit and other benefits can claim the £650 cost of living payment.

Energy suppliers also offer direct support to their customers.

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This could be through the provision of free energy-saving products like electric blankets or solar panels.

Several firms also offer cash grants worth up to £1,500 through their hardship funds.

We've listed all the help available below and explained who is eligible and whether you need to apply.

Support from energy suppliers

Up to £1,500 in cash grants

There are plenty of energy grants and schemes open to help you out if you're struggling.

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British Gas recently confirmed that it'll pay its most vulnerable customers grants worth £750 to help with sky-high bills.

  • Octopus Energy Octo Assist fund
  • There's also a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment metre.

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    We've already listed the detailed eligibility criteria for each scheme.

    Free £150

    Shell Energy will be giving thousands of customers an extra £150 to help them this winter.

    The energy giant will be boosting the £150 warm home discount payment to £300 for all 157,000 customers who get the help.

    You'll get the top-up if you received certain benefits and joined Shell Energy on or before August 21 this year.

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    The warm home discount is available to those on the lowest incomes to help with rising costs.

    You'll need to be a recipient of one or more of the following benefits to qualify for the automatic £150 discount:

    £50 fuel vouchers

    If you're on a prepayment meter you might be able to get a one-off voucher to top up.

    The fuel voucher scheme comes via the Fuel Bank Foundation charity, and it's offered through a range of organisations, like food banks and Citizens Advice.

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