The Fuel Bank® scheme
Fuel Bank® is available at selected Foodbank locations across the UK. It provides a top-up voucher for around two weeks’ worth of fuel to clients with a prepayment meter who have been identified as being in ‘crisis need’ by an independent Foodbank referrer.
The scheme helps prevent self-disconnection – when someone cannot afford to top up their meter – and ensures people can continue to access essentials such as heating and cooking.
Fuel Bank® is designed to work through the existing Foodbank referral process, meaning eligibility requires a valid Foodbank voucher for a participating location.
To receive support, you need to:
- Be a Foodbank client who has been referred by a third party such as a GP, Social Worker, Citizens Advice (and other agencies) because you are in crisis need for food. You can’t receive a fuel voucher if you don’t need food as well.
- If you present the food voucher to your nearest Foodbank and it is part of the Fuel Bank®scheme, you have a prepayment meter and no debt on your meter, you may be eligible for a fuel voucher as well as a food parcel. If you are, an application would be filled in for you.
Utilita Energy scheme
We are also now working with Utilita Energy to provide additional fuel support, expanding the help available to families in need. This support works in a similar way to the Fuel Bank scheme.
