British Gas Winter Rebate Rip- off?

Has anyone else had problems with the British Gas Winter Rebate? My Mother and Grandmother are still both waiting for rebates from January. Having telephoned 0845 601 2006 they have been put on hold for an hour, then having no real answers for why British Gas are holding back the cash thus making a bucket load of interest. Can anyone relate with this and offer any ideas? The customer service team which I believe is abroad have no idea what the rebate scheme offers and its an ever going circle with no real answers.
Its disgusting how British Gas treat their customers who are obviously elderly who need the extra help during the winter. After enquiring as to how to write to the people at the above telephone number, British Gas have claimed that there is no postal address.

Not harsh - they got a letter each explaining that they are both entitled. In writting - please re-read my question properly- that telephone number isnt useful what so ever.

What Steve B is saying is no help what so ever, just cut and paste! I am also in this position with British Gas. No useful information what so ever. You can not get through on the 0845 telephone number. When you write to them, you get a polite fob off. Although people entitled have recieved a letter saying that they have been approved for it and should expect it on your statement before and after christmas 2006/2007.
I think Steve B should answer questions that he knows the full back ground on. I totally agree with kjbr00mie.

Im not entirely sure wether this will help you but while back i had an appointment for a british gas engeneer to come out and do some work to my supply i stayed in all day and they never came when i called to complain they said sorry and told me they would send me 拢50 in compo i never received this and six mnths later i chased it up and again nothing a couple of weeks later i rang up and told them i was changing supplier when they asked why i told them it was because of the 拢50 that was outstanding and lo and behold 1 week later i receved a cheque i really hope this helps as they get enough money of us without stiffing oaps good luck!!!!!

I think you are being a bit harsh - this is not some 'entitlement' - looks to me like a bit of a Charity (PR) stunt = they didn't have to give anything to anybody and they never said everyone would get a rebate ..

The phrase 'Biting the hand that feeds you' comes to mind :-)

..... from the BBC news

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.