Up to 7 million missing out on benefits they're entitled to - are you?

Up to seven million people in the UK are missing out on benefits they're entitled to, according to MSE founder Martin Lewis in the latest episode of his ITV show. He explained how to find out if you are, and also for those getting legacy benefits, such as income support or jobseeker's, how to check if you’d be better off on universal credit.

How can Origin help?

 If you can't pay your bills or arre worried about spiralling energy costs, please get in touch with your income officer. Last year we helped people claim £100,000 in benefits that they didn't realise they were entitled to. 

For energy costs, you may be able to claim for one of these to help you with your bills. With the British Gas Energy Trust, you need to have got professional help with budgeting, so speak to your Income Officer and they can help you make a budget before you apply. This fund is open to everyone, not just British Gas customers.

We can also help you apply for any of these schemes. 

Warm Home Discount
You might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill or a £140 voucher for your prepayment meter. You can get this under the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you’re either getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit or are on a low income. Find out more here.

Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 26 September 1955 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Find out more here.

Cold Weather Payments
Cold Weather Payments are one-off payments to help you pay for extra heating costs when it’s very cold.
You’ll get a payment each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a set period of time. If you're eligible, you'll get paid automatically. Find out more here.

The British Gas Energy Trust 

The online portal will guide you through the process, explaining the information needed at each stage of the application.

To be considered for a grant you must meet the following criteria, if you cannot tick all these boxes your application will not progress to assessment:

• You live in England, Scotland or Wales;
• You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years;
• You must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account in your name or be a member of that household, the energy account must relate to your main residence;
• You have electric and/or gas debt;
• You do not have savings above £1,000; and
• You have received help from a money advice agency
• You must be in or facing Fuel Poverty

If you have previously applied and been unsuccessful you can re-apply if you’ve had a change in your circumstances.

You don’t have to be a customer of British Gas to apply, if you pay your energy bill to another supplier you can be considered for a grant  – although please note the majority of the grant budget is designated for British Gas Customers, so please do approach your supplier’s customer service team in the first instance.

Find out more and apply.