You can claim up to £750 on the new grant system if you're eligible. Here's everything you need to know.

If you're worried about the energy price cap announcement sending your bills soaring, then you'll be VERY pleased to hear that British Gas are making NEW grants available to cash-strapped families.

The energy firm has declared it will donate 10 per cent of its retail profits to help the poorest families in the UK – with up to £750 available. And you DON'T need to be a British Gas customer to apply (although it will help).

British Gas boss Chris O'Shea told The Sun newspaper ahead of the price cap rise by Ofgem (where it was announced yesterday that the average household's yearly energy bills will hit £3,549 in October!) that 'many people are facing really tough choices'. (Get more advice and help on our new Cost of Living Hub .)

It is hoped these grants could help thousands of anxious families struggling with the cost of living crisis. Here’s everything you need to know about how the grants work and how to apply:

The British Gas Grant

The new announcement means thousands of eligible households could get grants of £250 to £750. British Gas will continue to donate 10 per cent of its profits for the duration of the energy crisis, backdated to the start of 2022, which will help the poorest consumers this winter.

British Gas, who made huge profits this year, is the first energy company to dip into its own pockets to help during the cost of living crisis.

Where do you apply?

Applications for grants can be made via the British Gas Trust website here .

It opens on Monday 12 September for those who think they will benefit from the scheme.

Are you eligible?

In order to apply you must meet the following criteria:

• Customers of British Gas as well as customers of other energy suppliers can apply but the majority of the grant budget is set aside for British Gas customers
• Applicants must live in England, Wales or Scotland
• You mustn't have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the past two 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
• You have received help from a money advice agency

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

What supporting documents are needed?

In order to support applications, British Gas requires the following;

• Proof of money advice received in the past 3 months (e.g. a letter confirming the advice provided, a standard financial statement and/or Personal Action Plan). If you haven’t received money advice in the past 3 months click here to find your nearest advice agency before applying
• Proof of all household income
• British Gas customers – a meter reading for your gas and/or electric account (unless you have a smart meter)
• Other energy supplier customers – a bill based on actual readings dated within four weeks, showing your name, account number or supply address or an email from your energy supplier dated within four weeks that confirms your name, account number, supply address, outstanding balance and confirmation the balance is based on actual readings.

Are you worried about your energy bills and do you think you'll be eligible to apply? Let us know and chat with other Netmums parents in the Forum below.

Read more on benefits and entitlements

How to get the government grant towards your energy bill

CHAT: Check you're getting all your benefits and entitlements

Money-saving tips for your family