Over a million pounds in potential funds has been uncovered for vulnerable households struggling with fuel poverty this year, thanks to a partnership between energy business SGN and money advice service IncomeMax.
Since the partnership was launched earlier this year, IncomeMax has been supporting vulnerable customers referred from SGN’s frontline engineering teams. Approximately £1.2m in potential income has been identified for SGN customers, with nearly £117,000 confirmed as already in payment.
IncomeMax is a recognised expert in supporting vulnerable households through income maximisation, energy and benefits advice. Their team of advisers has helped thousands of individuals across Scotland and southern England access the benefits, grants and schemes they deserve.
In February this year, SGN invested £980,000 in funding to expand IncomeMax’s team of expert advisers and to develop an AI-powered benefits advice tool called MAX to provide quick, 24/7 assistance for simpler cases, such as basic benefit checks.
By advising households on benefits entitlement, the team can check if a household is claiming the correct benefits and support them through the claim process. Practical guidance on energy efficiency measures, advice on smart meters and support for eligible households to join the Priority Services Register are also offered.
As well as supporting households through referrals from SGN’s frontline teams, IncomeMax has also begun taking referrals directly from SGN’s Safe & Warm community partners including Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS), Fuel Bank Foundation and SELCE.
Leigh Thompson, Services Director at IncomeMax, said: “At IncomeMax, we believe in the power of personalised support to transform lives. This partnership with SGN allows us to extend our reach, providing vulnerable households with the tailored income maximisation and energy advice they need to stay safe, warm, and financially resilient. By combining our expertise with SGN’s commitment to tackling fuel poverty, we aim to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for communities most in need.”
SGN’s five-year vulnerability support strategy guides our activity to ensure we’re delivering genuine and valuable impact to those most in need of help to stay safe and warm at home.
Over 1m vulnerable households have been helped to use energy safely, efficiently and affordably, surpassing our target to help 500,000 between 2021 and 2026.
If you think IncomeMax could help you maximise the money you’re entitled to, visit sgn.co.uk/income-advice-our-customers
