More than 300,000 electricity and gas account holders have disconnected their prepayment meters for longer than three hours, highlighting the growing financial pressure households are facing across the UK.

For many people using prepayment meters, rising energy costs and ongoing debt mean they are being forced to ration heating and electricity, or go without entirely.

In response to rising need, the Trust has opened its grant fund to applications from eligible prepayment meter customers of any energy supplier, regardless of whether that supplier has its own support scheme.

Previously, applicants had to show proof of decline from their own supplier’s scheme, but with this criterion removed it’s hoped that more vulnerable households will be able to come directly to the Trust, helping them get the financial support they need at the time they need it the most.

The Trusts Individuals and Families Fund (I&F) provides grants between £50 and £1,700 to those struggling with debt on a prepayment meter. To be eligible, you must live in England, Scotland or Wales, be seeking the grant to clear debt on a prepayment meter associated with your place of residence, and you must have a household income of less than £20,328 or someone in the household is registered disabled and receives a disability benefit or receives Carers Allowance or has 3+ children.

The fund has helped people like Ali*. Ali is 38 years old and lives alone in a social housing property. He has severe mental health issues which were exacerbated by the recent passing of his mother. He has been without gas for 12 months as his gas meter had been capped following a build up of arrears. Ali is now being supported by his GP for his mental health, and his local advice agency is working with him to get disability benefits. Ali received a grant of £351, writing off his gas arrears.

*name changed to protect his identity