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Charis for
Individuals

Charis for
Individuals

Charis manage schemes on behalf of companies, authorities and charities.

This page is designed for individuals to identify which schemes are currently open for applications, or those schemes which are coming soon.

We ask that all customers looking to make an application to any scheme, first read our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) on this page for general information. These FAQ’s will give you quick questions and answers, which will help you when applying to a scheme, and will help you later on throughout the application process. So please check back if you need more help.

For those schemes which are open you may be directed away from our website to scheme providers to apply, or to view more information. For the schemes coming soon, we recommend you register your interest as early as possible. Remember that registering your interest is not an application, but a request to be contacted when a future scheme opens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Energy Fund FAQs

Have you been impacted by the rise in cost of living?

We understand that some customers may be finding it harder to manage their energy bills. If you’re struggling or think your bill isn’t right, please contact your energy supplier directly. We partner with the below suppliers to help vulnerable customers.

Complete an application online with us today on www.charisgrants.com/individuals/#schemes-open

If your supplier isn’t listed above then, currently we don’t work with them. However, you can keep checking our funds on www.charisgrants.com/individuals/#schemes-open to see if funding becomes available. You can also visit their website directly for advice.

For the latest government financial support advice please visit here.

Alternatively, anyone can get free advice from the below organisations:

Citizens Advicewww.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/
StepChange Debt Charity – Freephone 0800 138 1111 or www.stepchange.org/contact-us.aspx
Turn2Us National Charitywww.turn2us.org.uk/get-support
National Debt Line – Freephone 0808 808 4000 or nationaldebtline.co.uk
Advice UK – Freephone 0300 777 0107 or adviceuk.org.uk
Payplan – Freephone 0800 280 2816 or payplan.co.uk

What can I get help with?

Charis administer funds on behalf of some energy companies to help people who need support with energy bills and freestanding appliances. The funds we currently administer are:

  • EDF Customer Support Fund – If you have outstanding debt and are a current customer of EDF you can apply for debt relief. You can also apply separately or with the debt relief for replacement energy efficient freestanding appliances.
  • E.ON Next Energy Fund – If you have outstanding debt and are a current customer of E.ON Next you can apply for debt relief. You can also apply separately or with the debt relief for replacement energy efficient freestanding appliances.
  • Charis Let’s Talk Energy Fund – OVO Energy Group & Rebel Energy have confirmed their support to households who may be struggling through our Let’s Talk Energy Fund.

Complete an application online with us today on our individuals page.

How long does it take to complete an application form?

It can take up to 45 minutes to complete an online application if you have all the information to hand. Start your application today on our individuals page.

How long will it take to process my application before I get a decision?

Due to high demand applications can take several weeks to process. Please keep checking the Charis website or your email inbox for application status updates. If we need more information from you, or have made a decision, we will contact you. Please make sure you have provided your supplier with up to date meter readings as this will make the process quicker.

I am struggling to upload my evidence, what can I do?

If you’re using a mobile phone or tablet to upload documents, it’s useful to turn the device sideways (landscape) in order to fully view the screen for the file classification option to appear. Make sure you upload each document individually. Don’t create a ‘zip file’ as this will not upload. Alternatively, you can email your evidence using the information below:

EDF Customer Support Fund – [email protected]

 

E.ON Next Energy Fund[email protected]

 

Let’s Talk Energy Fund[email protected]

 

For more helpful tips please view our Application Advice brochure.

I can’t take a picture or scan my documents – how can I send them to you?

If you’re unable to upload copies of the documents using the portal then, another option is to reply to the email we sent and attach the documents. Remember to attach your documents before sending.

For more helpful tips please visit our brochure.

Why have I received a letter / email asking for information that I have already provided?

The information you have sent may not be acceptable, please double check the below and send it to us again:

  • Check it has your full name and current address
  • Check it’s no older than 12 months
  • Check it shows your health diagnosis
  • Check any payments show the amount and calculations
  • Check your email or letter there may be a specific reason as to why we cannot accept the information
  • Check to see if all pages of the documents are shown

I have been asked to provide a budget sheet as evidence, who can help me with this?

We recommend all applicants complete a Budget Sheet. However, for some of our funds it’s mandatory. You can do this with a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) approved Adviser, to find one near you go to www.fca.org.uk. All FCA approved citizens advice advisers provide a service which is free.

I’ve applied, but my energy supplier is still contacting me for payment, what do I do?

Let them know that you’ve applied, they may be able to add a hold to your account while your application is being processed. If you’ve been awarded you may need to contact your energy supplier, to set up a payment plan. Check your provisional award letter or email for details.

I’ve been provisionally awarded, why have I been asked to set up a provisional payment plan?

A provisional payment plan will temporarily replace any existing payment plan you may have. It’ll help prove that you can pay for your ongoing energy usage before being awarded. The energy suppliers want to help you to manage your ongoing usage to prevent you from getting into debt again.  All the provisional payments are dealt with by your energy supplier.

When does my provisional payment plan end?

The payment plan is set up between you and your supplier, they will explain when your first and last payment is due. Remember to keep a note of this, and when payments have been successfully made, we’ll let you know when your account will be credited with the award amount.

When you’ve made the final payment within the provisional period it’s important to continue with your payment plan to in order to pay for your ongoing energy usage to prevent getting into debt in the future.

What if my Energy supplier goes bust?

If your supplier goes out of business, Ofgem’s safety net will ensure you’ll always have an energy supply, click here for more information.’

Where do I go for support if I am not eligible for assistance with Charis?

Unfortunately we are unable to assist everyone. If you have applied with us or you do not meet any of the criteria but still need further support please see the below:

 

Alternatively, anyone can get free advice from the below organisations:

Citizens Advice – www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/
StepChange Debt Charity – Freephone 0800 138 1111 or www.stepchange.org/contact-us.aspx
Turn2Us National Charity – www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support
National Debt Line – Freephone 0808 808 4000 or nationaldebtline.co.uk
Advice UK – Freephone 0300 777 0107 or adviceuk.org.uk
Payplan – Freephone 0800 280 2816 / 0800 316 1833 or payplan.co.uk

Is there a time limit to accept delivery of my kitchen appliance?

The Let’s Talk Energy Fund is a winter scheme. If you are successful, there will be a limited time to accept delivery and installation of your household appliance before the scheme closes.

Freestanding Appliance FAQs

I need a freestanding appliance – how can you help me?

Charis partner with some energy suppliers to help provide freestanding appliances to customers in desperate need through energy funding schemes. Complete an application online with us today on our individuals page.

If your energy supplier isn’t listed on the individual’s page you can register your interest through our Let’s Talk Energy Fund. When funding becomes available, we’ll let you know.

I’ve been awarded a freestanding appliance – how do I arrange delivery?

If you’ve been awarded an appliance, you’ll be contacted to arrange delivery within 10 working days. This will be by text message, telephone or email. There will be some questions to ensure that delivery and connection can happen safely and legally. If you’ve already arranged a delivery date and wish to change this, please contact the supplier.

Can I change the make, model, or type of appliance, and can I change the size or colour?

The fund only provides standard freestanding household appliances. We cannot change the size, make, model or type of appliance provided. The funds are put together to help customers who are in desperate need of an appliance therefore, we cannot accept customer requests, changes, or additional payments towards other appliances.

Can I have delivery without connection?

Appliances cannot be awarded without you agreeing to their delivery and installation.

Can I have my appliance delivered to a different address?

It would depend on the reason and circumstance. We’d need to check that the new arrangements meet the funding obligations. Please email us on [email protected] or call 01733 421069 to talk about this further and we’ll see what we can do.

My delivery failed – what do I do now?

To rearrange delivery of your appliance please contact the supplier. If your delivery failed because connection couldn’t take place, please make sure any recommendations by the delivery team are made so that connection can happen. Only two delivery attempts will be made. If the appliance has not been successfully delivered and connected after a second attempt, the award will be withdrawn. This would not affect any other awards on the application.

The appliance was delivered but has now developed a fault – what do I do?

You’ll need to contact the supplier to report the fault, they should be able to arrange a repair if the appliance is still under warranty. They may need some information such as a serial number, but they will tell you where to find this. If they need proof of purchase, please request this by emailing [email protected]

I’ve been awarded an appliance but no longer need it – what should I do?

Let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or calling 01733 421069. We’ll withdraw the appliance on your behalf but, please make sure this what you want because once it has been withdrawn, we cannot reinstate it. If you have other awards on your application, they will not be affected by this decision.

How do I prepare for installation of my freestanding household appliance?

Please check you have a working gas and electricity supply and sufficient credit on a pre-payment meter.

Please make sure you are at home on the agreed date to receive your new appliance.

A small lorry will be delivering your appliance so there needs to be space to park nearby and any parking permits provided.

Make sure there is a clear pathway through the home to the room of choice.

Check you have the relevant gas and electric connections for a new cooker. Electric cookers need an isolation switch and usually a hardwired cooker outlet.

There should be no wallpaper, fabric, shelving, cupboards or electrical sockets directly above or to the immediate side of the cooker.

Check you have the relevant pipe work and electricity connection for a washing machine. The standard length from the back of the machine is 1m.

All pipes and sockets should be easily accessible and not blocked by cupboards or units.

Remember- the delivery team cannot make any alterations to your existing plumbing or electrical connections.

It is important to make sure there is sufficient credit on your electricity and gas Prepayment Meters (PPMs) before delivery. This ensures that your new appliances can be installed and used immediately. If your PPMs run out of credit, it may cause delays in getting your new appliances up and running.

For a seamless installation and to ensure compatibility with your existing setup, we recommend replacing your cooker like for like. If you currently have an electric cooker, it’s best to replace it with another electric cooker, and the same applies to gas cookers. This will help avoid any potential complications during the installation process.

What do I need to do before my old freestanding household appliance is removed?

Please make sure you are at home on the agreed date.

A small lorry will be collecting your appliance so there needs to be space to park nearby and any parking permits provided.

Make sure the appliance is empty and is not leaking water.

Empty and defrost your old fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer before the collection date.

Ensure the washing machine is empty and fully drained.

Check there is sufficient access for the appliance to be removed and loaded.

Housing Association FAQs

Can I apply for help and what can I get help with?

Charis administer grants on behalf of some housing associations to offer a range of services to help people be the best they can be. We currently partner with:

  • Clarion Futures– Clarion Futures is the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group. It’s designed to support residents and the wider community in a range of employment and training opportunities. Visit myclarionhousing.com/help-and-guidance/Jobs-skills-and-training/grants-for-work-and-business to find out more, or speak to an Employment Support Officer (ESO) or email [email protected] and they will help you with your training, employment or business journey.
  • Sovereign – Sovereign grants invest in people who live in Sovereign homes and communities. They provide the tools to transform lives for the better and build a positive future. Find out what’s available for you and your community when you log into your account at https://my.sovereign.org.uk/communities

Fuel Voucher FAQs

How can Charis help with emergency energy fuel?

Charis partner with the Energy Suppliers, Fuel Bank Foundation, selected food banks, advice agencies and housing associations to help support vulnerable customers by giving them access to energy when they most need it.

Can I apply for a voucher?

You can, however this is a referral process and the application must be done through a selected food bank or advice agency or housing association. Tell the person referring you who your energy supplier is as this will affect the type of voucher you can receive. If you’re unsure who is authorised in your area to help, please visit your local Citizens Advice.

How can I redeem my voucher?

There are two types of voucher, so depending which one you have, will depend on where you can go to redeem it. You’ll need your email or SMS message voucher code with you and your meter key or card.

  • Pay point voucher – You’ll need to visit your local convenience store or supermarket. Paypoint have a webpage which provides details of stores who have recently redeemed Energy or Cash vouchers and will be familiar with the process- https://consumer.paypoint.com/cashout
  • Post office voucher – You’ll need to visit your local post office or a post office counter in a newsagents or other local convenience store. Paypoint and Post Office vouchers cannot be redeemed at Payzone outlets

My voucher isn’t working, what should I do?

British Gas and Scottish Gas customers can only use Post Office vouchers so double check who your energy supplier is. If you’ve got an incorrect voucher type and need to change it then you need to speak to the person who submitted the application and they will contact us directly to make a voucher change request for you.

It’s been 24hrs, why haven’t I received my voucher yet?

If the application was submitted on Friday after 5pm, you may not receive it until Monday. Have you double checked your text messages, email junk or spam folder? Speak to the person who submitted the application and make sure the correct contact details were added as this is where the voucher would’ve been sent too. If for any reason the contact information on the application is incorrect, they will contact us directly to make a voucher change request for you.

Warm Home Discount FAQs

What is the Warm Home Discount?

Warm Home Discount is an annual government scheme where participating energy supplier’s credit £150 (including VAT) onto your electricity bill to help towards the cost of your energy bills, click here for more information.

 

How do I apply?

If you live in England or Wales, you do not need to make an application, the DWP will tell your supplier directly if you qualify for £150 credit towards your bills. If you live in Scotland, check your energy supplier’s website for information on how to apply.

What is Park Homes Warm Home Discount and how can I apply?

If you’re a permanent resident living in a Park Home in England, Scotland or Wales and pay your electricity direct to your park site owner you can apply for a £150 payment to help towards the cost of your energy bills. Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis. Check here for more information. ​

How can Charis support me with my application?

Charis partner with some Energy Companies to help qualify customers living in Scotland for the rebate of £150. We specialise in checking evidence for customers on behalf of our partners. Check below to see if we partner with your Energy provider. If we’ve contacted you asking for evidence, you must email us your evidence to be checked.

I can’t find the evidence you need, what should I do?

Don’t worry as there’s people you can contact for help. You can contact Pension Service or the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for benefit payment evidence. Please click here to request proof of a benefit letter. You can also contact your employer or payment provider for income evidence, such as wage slips.

I’m struggling to keep warm in the winter, is there any other support available?

If you’re struggling to stay warm this winter, please make sure you contact your Energy supplier to see if any other help is available, alternatively you can visit Citizens Advice or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Click here for other help.

 

 

When will I get paid?

If your application for Warm Home Discount Scotland 2023/24 is successful, you’ll get your rebate by 31st March 2024. Usually, you’ll see a Warm Home Discount credit on your bill or statement. All rebates are made by participating energy suppliers. We don’t get involved in rebates unless you’ve been awarded as part of Park Homes Warm Home Discount.

I’m expecting a BACs payment from Park Homes Warm Home Discount, what will it look like on my account?

The £150 payment will have your WHD reference number as the payment reference on your bank statement.

I have responded to the request to supply documents to support my Warm Home Discount request but have not heard anything yet. When will I hear back?

Thank you for responding to our request to supply documents to support your Warm Home Discount application. The Charis team are now working closely with your energy supplier to process your application. If we need more information, we will contact you, otherwise you’ll receive a decision by the end of March at the latest.

Will the scheme be available in 2022/23 like it has been in previous years?

Ofgem announced in 2022 that the scheme would continue to run up until 2026. If you live in England or Wales the DWP will continue to tell your supplier directly if you qualify for £150 credit towards your bills.

If you live in Scotland, check your energy supplier’s website for information regarding qualifying criteria and how to apply.

Shop FAQs

I recently received a winter product or winter warmth pack. One of the products is not working. How do I get it replaced or repaired?

Charis work with a specialist distributor who also provide support and the 1 year warranty on products. Please contact [email protected]

The winter product / winter warmth pack did not arrive, this is despite receiving a confirmation that it has shipped.

Products will take approximately 5 working days to be delivered. If after this time it still has not arrived, then please contact [email protected] who can confirm shipping status.

Can individuals register and then buy products from the Charis Shop?

The Charis Shop is specifically designed to be a business-to-business platform. If you need individual support, we recommend you contact a local support agency such as the citizens advice, housing associations (for housing association tenants) or local charities.

What other products are available on the Shop? How can I request products are added to my Shop account?

Simply complete the very short form on the Charis website and one of the team will be in touch https://charisgrants.com/businessenquiries/

Open schemes

Below are the schemes which are currently open. If you are would like to make an application please click on the ‘Apply’ button

Currently open

Energy Fund – Eon

E.ON Next provides support for household energy bills to those who may be struggling. This could be a grant towards bills or help to buy standard freestanding appliances. We may require you to take actions to help you get back on track with your energy payments.

Currently open

Customer Support Fund

EDF provides support for individuals struggling to manage household energy debt. As well as providing support for standard freestanding appliances. We may require you to take actions to help you get back on track with your energy payments.

Coming soon!

Below are all of the schemes that are coming soon. There is often a large number of applicants for the schemes below. We suggest you register your interest as early as possible, in order to be contacted when we open the scheme.

Closed!

Closed!

Park Homes Warm Home Discount

The Park Homes Warm Home Discount for 2023/24 is now CLOSED.

Closed!

Let’s Talk Energy Fund

The Let’s Talk Energy Fund for 2023/24 is now CLOSED.

Closed!

Rebel Energy Warm Home Discount

The Rebel Energy Warm Home Discount Scotland 2023/2024 is now CLOSED.

Closed!

Warm Home Discount – Scottish Gas

The Scottish Gas Warm Home Discount Scotland 2023/2024 is now closed.

Closed!

Warm Home Discount – Utility Warehouse

The Utility Warehouse Warm Home Discount Scotland 2023/2024 is now CLOSED.

Additional support from Charis

At Charis we try to make it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need. I love working with a team that constantly wants to support those applying to a Charis managed scheme and who strive to make the process to do it as stress-free as possible.
Marilyn Martinez - Charis Team Member
At Charis we try to make it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need. I love working with a team that constantly wants to support those applying to a Charis managed scheme and who strive to make the process to do it as stress-free as possible.
Marilyn Martinez - Charis Team Member