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Home / Guides / ScottishPower Hardship Fund

ScottishPower Hardship Fund: help to clear energy debt

The short answerIf you are a ScottishPower customer on a low income or certain benefits, the Hardship Fund can clear or reduce what you owe by crediting your account. You start by getting free advice from a debt charity such as StepChange, then apply to Sigma Connected Support, which runs the fund.

The fund is for ScottishPower's own customers. Benefits that can qualify include Universal Credit, Pension Credit Savings Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-related ESA, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and Child or Working Tax Credits.

Quick facts

Who
ScottishPower customers
What
Arrears cleared or reduced
Step 1
Free debt advice, e.g. StepChange
Step 2
Apply to Sigma Connected Support
Condition
A payment plan for ongoing use

What it does

"If you’re eligible, the ScottishPower Hardship Fund can help by clearing or reducing outstanding balances on your ScottishPower energy account." A full or partial award is credited to your account.

Who can get it — the full rules

You can qualify if you get income-related ESA, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits or Pension Credit Savings Credit.

"You could also qualify if you have a low household income, or if there are special circumstances which could make you eligible for example you have experienced an income reduction due to illness."

How to apply

First, "Contact a recognised debt advice agency such as Step Change Debt Charity *." StepChange is on 0800 138 1111. Then apply to Sigma Connected Support online or on 0121 285 2595, with evidence of hardship such as recent DWP letters.

"Awards will be paid once you commit to a payment arrangement for your ongoing energy use which will take into account the best payment and tariff options for your circumstances."

Common questions

What does the ScottishPower Hardship Fund pay?

It clears or reduces arrears on your ScottishPower account, as a full or partial award.

How do I apply for the ScottishPower Hardship Fund?

Get free advice from a debt charity such as StepChange, then apply to Sigma Connected Support online or on 0121 285 2595.

Do I need to be on benefits?

No. A low household income, or special circumstances such as a drop in income through illness, can also qualify.

Source: ScottishPower: What is the ScottishPower Hardship Fund?, read 18 October 2026. Every figure on this page is quoted from there. If it changes, this page is wrong until we fix it — tell us and we will.

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