Urgent: UNISON Energy support fund for low paid members start tomorrow Wednesday 27 Sept 08.30am & 5pm - up to £200 (used to be called winter fuel grants)

 

Important information

The Energy Support Fund will open on 27 September, with grants of £200 available to support low income members with their energy costs.

Due to finite funds, we can only accept 2,000 applications. 1,000 will be released at 8.30am and 1,000 at 5pm.

In previous rounds of this fund, demand has been so high that applications open and close within hours, so if you plan to apply, it might be helpful to set a reminder.

Applications will be made online and a link to apply will be added to the bottom of this webpage when the grant is live. You cannot apply before this time. 

Check unison.org.uk/esf If, due to access needs, you are unable to apply online, you can either call UNISONdirect 08000 857857 or email energysupportfund@unison.co.uk.

Please ensure you have your membership number to hand as you will need this to apply. You can find this on your membership card and it is usually at the bottom of any email from UNISON.

Please ensure you read the below information to see if you are eligible before making an application.   

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a UNISON member.
• Have paid at least four weeks subscriptions at the opening date (27 September). Subscriptions must be up to date.
• Not have received a grant through our main applications since 27 March 2023. (you can still apply for this grant if you have recently received our School Uniform Grant or Winter Fuel Grant)
• Have savings (including the total rolling balance on current accounts) below £1,000 to qualify.

Only one application per household will be considered.

And EITHER:

• You are on a low income:
• Net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)

OR:

In receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child and/or Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit
• Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance
• Means-tested Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support

 *by household income, we mean income from: salary payments, student finance payments, state, occupational or private pensions, child maintenance

If the terms of your visa mean you/your partner have no recourse to public funds and earn more than £26,000, you may still be eligible for a grant. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

The grant will be a payment of £200 per household.