Assistance available for those in need
There are a number of ways Scottishpower can help its customers
£5M TO HELP PAY OFF BILL
DEBTS
Scottishpower’s Hardship Fund was set up for customers who have difficulties paying their bills. Whether that’s because of low income or other circumstances, it can be used to help clear or reduce arrears by crediting your Scottishpower account and help get your payments under control.
To find out if you are eligible for the fund, first contact a recognised debt advice agency like Stepchange Debt Charity (go online to www.stepchange.org). As well as giving you further details on the fund, their team can offer free, independent advice on money and debt and advise you how to budget for your energy payments.
Anyone can complete their 60 Second Debt
Test online in less than a minute, so they can get a quick understanding of the situation and how they may be able to help.
If you’re eligible, you can then apply to Sigma Connected Support, which administers the Hardship Fund on Scottishpower’s behalf. They will look at your circumstances and determine whether you qualify. They will need to see evidence of financial difficulties, such as letters from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), for example.
If you are eligible for a partial or full award towards the value of your arrears, your Scottishpower energy account will be credited.
For support with debt, you can also contact National Debtline, a free, confidential, debt advice service, run by the Money Advice Trust. Call 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.org
SUPPORTING THE MOST
VULNERABLE
Vulnerable customers who find it more challenging to manage their energy account can join the Priority Services Register, aimed at the elderly, ill, disabled, deaf or visually impaired. It has a range of services to help you manage your energy account, from receiving letters and bills in large print or braille, to nominating someone on your behalf, so that trusted friends and family members can help manage your account. Gas safety checks are also available.
HOME VISITS
“We also have a longstanding and established team of community liaison officers who can visit customers in their homes to offer in-person advice and support on matters relating to their energy account, including energy efficiency advice, where this level of support is needed,” adds Andrew Ward, Scottishpower’s chief executive of UK Retail.
PREPAYMENT METER CREDIT
Scottishpower is continuing to work with partner organisations, including foodbanks, to provide help to prepayment customers in financial hardship.
Last year, the company provided customers with more than £100,000 worth of meter credit through this initiative.
Remember, if your gas or electricity meter is showing less than £1 and you’re not able to top up right away, you can activate £10 emergency credit at any time (which you’ll have to pay back next time you top up).
WORKING WITH OTHER
ORGANISATIONS
For additional help and support, you can be referred to Stepchange, which can offer a comprehensive assessment of your situation and give you free, flexible debt advice according to your needs.
Citizens Advice Bureau has a huge amount of information online if you are struggling to pay your bills, including a full list of grants and benefits.
Other useful organisations, including Moneyhelper, Money Map and Turn2us, can help customers with budgeting or improving finances.
To find out more about help available for Scottishpower customers, go online and see www.scottishpower.co.uk/ affordability