[Apparelyzed]

British Gas's winter rebate: Q&A

British Gas has said it will provide 300,000 rebate payments for the 2006/2007 winter of up to £90 to its most vulnerable customers.

This follows the 208,000 payments that British Gas is making through its 2005/06 Winter Rebate scheme.

Who is eligible?

The rebate is available to dual fuel and single fuel customers.

To qualify for the rebate customers must be in receipt of at least one of the following benefits:

Disability Living Allowance
Pension Credit
Attendance Allowance
War Disablement Pension, which includes either a Mobility Supplement or Constant Attendance Allowance
Disablement Pension, which includes Constant Attendance Allowance
Carer's Allowance
Severe Disability Allowance
Child Tax Credit and with an annual household income of £14,600 or less
Working Tax Credit and with an annual household income of £14,600 or less
Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Income based Job Seeker's Allowance

How do I apply?

British Gas will be identifying and sending letters to customers that it considers are most vulnerable to hardship because of the latest price rises.

These customers will receive letters soon telling them about the 2006/07 rebate scheme.

At the same time, any customers in receipt of a qualifying benefit can call and register an interest in being included in the scheme on: 0845 601 2006.

Please note: Not everyone who qualifies and applies for a rebate will receive one. Although millions of people will be in receipt of at least one of the above benefits, availability is limited to just 300,000 rebates.

How much do I get?

British Gas has said it will provide rebate payments for the 2006/2007 winter of up to £90 to its most vulnerable customers.

British Gas said that pre-payment customers will be advised nearer the time about how their rebate will be made.

When will I get the money?

The first payment will be on the customer's last bill of 2006, and the second payment on their first bill of 2007.

[russ1]

So if you're daft enough to pay the expensive rates charged by british gas they'll give you some of it back . Alternatively you could swap suppliers and save the same amount anyway Ah well it's something if you are still a British Gas customer