The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund may provide eligible households with one essential appliance, such as a fridge-freezer, electric cooker or washing machine, subject to eligibility, funding and scheme rules.
The fund is designed to help prevent households in fuel poverty from running up high energy bills by relying on old or inefficient appliances. Both British Gas and non-British Gas customers may be able to access support, but the application route and eligibility checks can vary.
Key Takeaways
- The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund can help with essential household appliances.
- It is open to eligible households in England, Wales and mainland Scotland.
- The fund is not available in Scottish island areas such as Orkney, Shetland and the Inner or Outer Hebrides.
- Both British Gas and non-British Gas customers may be able to access support.
- The scheme is linked to fuel poverty and energy affordability.
- Available items include under-counter fridges, under-counter freezers, fridge-freezers, electric cookers and washing machines.
- Tumble dryers are only considered in exceptional circumstances.
- Eligible customers can only receive one item per Warm Home Discount scheme year.
- The current scheme year runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, unless funds are used sooner.
- If approved, the supplier may arrange delivery, installation and removal of the old appliance.
What Is the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund?
The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund is a scheme that helps eligible households access essential white goods.
According to the British Gas Energy Trust – White Goods Fund portal, the fund is intended to help prevent customers in fuel poverty from running up high energy bills by using old, inefficient appliances.
This means the scheme is not simply a general appliance replacement programme. It is focused on households where appliance problems are linked to fuel poverty, hardship and energy affordability.
The fund can support eligible households with appliances such as:
- under-counter fridges;
- under-counter freezers;
- fridge-freezers;
- electric cookers;
- washing machines;
- tumble dryers in exceptional circumstances.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the route used and the household’s circumstances.
The White Goods Fund portal says both British Gas customers and non-British Gas customers can apply through British Gas and through British Gas Energy Trust funded organisations.
For British Gas customers applying through British Gas, the customer must usually meet at least one of the following conditions:
- received the Warm Home Discount in the last 12 months;
- be on the Priority Services Register;
- have a prepayment meter;
- indicate that they are on benefits.
In all cases, the customer must be at risk of fuel poverty or already in fuel poverty.
Households may have a stronger case if they:
- are on a low income;
- receive benefits;
- have high energy costs;
- use an old or inefficient appliance;
- have a broken essential appliance;
- include disabled people, older people or children;
- are struggling to afford energy bills;
- need an appliance for safe cooking, food storage or hygiene.
Support remains subject to assessment and available funding.
Do You Need to Be a British Gas Customer?
No, not always. The British Gas Energy Trust says support is available through schemes that may be open to people who are not British Gas customers.
The British Gas Energy Trust – Grants available page explains that the Trust’s Individual and Families Fund is open to prepayment meter and credit customers of any energy supplier, although that fund is mainly about energy debt rather than white goods.
The British Gas – British Gas Energy Trust help with bills page also says the Trust does not mind who your energy supplier is and that there is help available whether you are with British Gas or another supplier.
For the White Goods Fund specifically, the route may depend on whether you apply through British Gas or through a British Gas Energy Trust funded organisation.
If you are not a British Gas customer, it may be worth checking local money and energy advice services funded by the Trust.
What Appliances Are Covered?
The White Goods Fund portal lists the items available through the fund.
| Appliance | Covered? | Important Notes |
| Under-counter fridge | Yes | The under-counter fridge does not include an ice box |
| Under-counter freezer | Yes | Subject to eligibility and availability |
| Fridge-freezer | Yes | Suitable where combined food storage is needed |
| Electric cooker | Yes | Gas cookers are not listed; cookers are electric only |
| Washing machine | Yes | One of the main available appliance types |
| Tumble dryer | Limited | Only in exceptional circumstances |
The fund is intended for essential appliances rather than upgrades or convenience purchases.
For example, a household may have a stronger case if a broken washing machine affects hygiene, children’s clothing or disability-related laundry needs. A fridge-freezer may be considered where safe food storage is affected, while an electric cooker may be important where there is no safe way to prepare meals.
Can You Get a Washing Machine or Cooker?
Yes, a washing machine or electric cooker may be available through the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund if you meet the eligibility rules and funding is still available.
The fund portal specifically lists:
- washing machines;
- cookers, electric only.
A washing machine may be essential where the household cannot afford laundrette costs, has children, includes a disabled person, or needs regular laundry for health and hygiene reasons.
An electric cooker may be essential where the household has no safe cooking appliance and cannot prepare meals properly.
However, approval depends on the scheme rules. You cannot assume that every applicant will receive the item requested.
How Many Items Can You Receive?
Eligible customers can only receive one item per Warm Home Discount scheme year.
The White Goods Fund portal states that the current scheme year runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, unless funds are expended sooner.
This means an eligible household may receive only one appliance during the scheme year. If you need more than one item, you may need to explore other support routes, such as local council help, charity grants, Turn2us, reuse centres or other energy trust schemes.
For broader appliance support, read our guide to white goods grants for washing machines and fridge freezers.
Where Is the Fund Available?
The fund is available to eligible households living in:
- England;
- Wales;
- mainland Scotland.
The White Goods Fund portal says the fund is not available to people living in the Scottish islands, including:
- Orkney Islands;
- Shetland Islands;
- Inner Hebrides;
- Outer Hebrides.
If you live in Scotland but outside the mainland area, check your local council, Scottish Welfare Fund, energy supplier funds or local charities for alternative appliance support.
How to Apply or Get Referred?
The application route depends on your circumstances and whether you are applying through British Gas or through a British Gas Energy Trust funded organisation.
Step 1: Check Whether You May Be Eligible
Before applying, check whether the household is at risk of fuel poverty or already in fuel poverty.
You should also check whether you meet one of the British Gas customer criteria if applying through British Gas, such as Warm Home Discount history, Priority Services Register status, prepayment meter use or benefit status.
Step 2: Contact British Gas or a Funded Organisation
The White Goods Fund portal says applications can be made through British Gas and through British Gas Energy Trust funded organisations.
A funded organisation may be a local money advice, energy advice, debt advice or community support service working with the Trust.
You can also use the Trust’s support pages to find local advice services.
Step 3: Explain the Appliance Need
When requesting white goods help, explain:
- what appliance is needed;
- whether the current appliance is broken, missing or inefficient;
- how long the household has been without it;
- how the problem affects energy bills;
- whether the item is needed for cooking, food storage or hygiene;
- whether children, disabled people, older people or vulnerable adults are affected;
- why the household cannot afford replacement.
Step 4: Wait for the Request to Be Submitted
The application or referral must be submitted through the correct route. You may not be able to apply in the same way as a normal grant form, because the portal is used by authorised users and partner organisations.
Step 5: Arrange Delivery if Approved
The White Goods Fund portal says that once a request has been submitted, the customer should receive a call from the chosen supplier, The Furnishing Service, within 48 hours to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
The supplier will install the new item and remove the old appliance if the customer has one.
Orders may be cancelled after 14 days where the supplier has been unable to contact the customer, so applicants should answer calls, texts or emails from the supplier after approval.
What Evidence Is Needed?
The exact evidence required may depend on the application route, but applicants should be ready to prove income, hardship, household circumstances and appliance need.
You may need:
| Evidence | Why It May Be Needed |
| Proof of identity | To confirm who is being supported |
| Proof of address | To confirm location eligibility |
| Benefit evidence | To show income and vulnerability |
| Warm Home Discount evidence | May support British Gas eligibility |
| Priority Services Register status | May support vulnerability |
| Prepayment meter information | May support eligibility |
| Energy account details | To understand energy circumstances |
| Bank statements | To assess hardship |
| Proof of income | To assess affordability |
| Disability or health evidence | To explain vulnerability |
| Details of broken appliance | To confirm why replacement is needed |
| Landlord permission | Needed if rented accommodation and the old appliance must be removed |
The White Goods Fund portal says that if the customer lives in rented accommodation, they must confirm they are responsible for the kitchen appliances or have authorisation from the landlord to remove the old appliance.
The portal also says the customer must have the correct fittings at the property before a request is submitted. The supplier will not install appliances where the correct fittings are not in place, and the order may be cancelled.
British Gas Energy Trust Fund vs British Gas Energy Support Fund
The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund and British Gas Energy Support Fund are not the same thing.
| Scheme | Main Purpose | Who It May Help |
| British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund | Essential appliances for households at risk of fuel poverty | Eligible households needing white goods |
| British Gas Energy Trust Individual and Families Fund | Help clearing domestic gas or electricity debt | Customers of any supplier who meet the debt and eligibility rules |
| British Gas Energy Support Fund | British Gas customer support for energy debt | British Gas customers, depending on whether the fund is open |
The British Gas Energy Trust – Grants available page says the Trust’s Individual and Families Fund is open to prepayment meter and credit customers of any energy supplier, subject to eligibility.
The British Gas Energy Support Fund page explains that British Gas has provided extra support to customers facing financial hardship, including energy debt write-off grants. However, fund availability can change.
Before applying, check the current status of each fund because eligibility rules, opening dates and funding availability may change.
What Happens If the Fund Cannot Help?
If the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund cannot help, there may still be other options.
You can check:
- local council welfare support;
- Crisis and Resilience Fund support in England;
- Scottish Welfare Fund support in Scotland;
- Discretionary Assistance Fund support in Wales;
- Turn2us charity grants;
- Family Fund kitchen appliance grants;
- LEAP Appliance Scheme for energy-efficient white goods;
- Reuse Network centres;
- local community furniture projects;
- Freecycle or Freegle;
- other energy supplier hardship funds;
- Citizens Advice;
- local money and energy advice services.
If your main issue is high energy use from old appliances, you may also want to read about the LEAP Appliance Scheme for energy-efficient white goods.
Tips to Improve Your Chance of Support
To improve your chance of being considered:
- check the current fund status before applying;
- use the correct application or referral route;
- explain why the appliance is essential;
- show how the appliance affects energy costs or fuel poverty;
- provide complete income and hardship evidence;
- mention disability, age, children or vulnerability where relevant;
- make sure the property has the correct appliance fittings;
- get landlord permission if needed;
- answer supplier calls quickly after approval;
- check other support routes if the fund has closed.
Do not apply with incomplete information. Missing evidence can delay the process or lead to refusal.
Important Safety Note
The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund is linked to official British Gas Energy Trust and partner organisation routes. You should not pay anyone an upfront fee to access the fund.
Be careful with social media posts, unofficial websites or individuals claiming they can guarantee a free appliance. Genuine support depends on eligibility, assessment and funding availability.
Use trusted sources such as the British Gas Energy Trust, British Gas, local money advice services, Citizens Advice, Turn2us and recognised charities.
Conclusion
The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund can be an important support route for households struggling with fuel poverty and essential appliance costs.
Eligible households may be able to receive one appliance, such as a fridge-freezer, electric cooker or washing machine, during the Warm Home Discount scheme year. However, support depends on eligibility, available funding, location and the correct application or referral route.
If you are not eligible or the fund cannot help, check wider white goods grants for washing machines and fridge freezers, local council schemes, Turn2us, Family Fund, reuse projects and the LEAP Appliance Scheme for energy-efficient white goods.
FAQs
What is the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund?
It is a support scheme that may provide essential appliances to eligible households at risk of fuel poverty or already in fuel poverty.
Can I get a washing machine from the British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund?
Yes, washing machines are listed as available items through the fund, subject to eligibility, application route and funding availability.
Can I get a cooker through the fund?
Yes, electric cookers are listed as available. The portal does not list gas cookers.
Can I get a fridge-freezer?
Yes, fridge-freezers are listed as available through the fund.
Are tumble dryers included?
Tumble dryers are only considered in exceptional circumstances.
Do I need to be a British Gas customer?
Not always. Both British Gas and non-British Gas customers may be able to access support, but the route and criteria can vary.
How many appliances can I receive?
Eligible customers can only receive one item per Warm Home Discount scheme year.
What is the current scheme year?
The current scheme year runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, unless funds are used sooner.
Is the fund available in Scotland?
It is available in mainland Scotland, but not in Scottish island areas such as Orkney, Shetland and the Inner or Outer Hebrides.
What happens after a request is submitted?
The supplier, The Furnishing Service, should contact the customer within 48 hours to arrange delivery. The supplier may install the new item and remove the old appliance where applicable.
What if I live in rented accommodation?
You must confirm that you are responsible for the kitchen appliances or have landlord authorisation to remove the old appliance.
What if the fund is closed or I am not eligible?
Check local council support, Turn2us, LEAP, Family Fund, reuse projects, Citizens Advice and other energy supplier hardship funds.