UK’s largest electricity supplier to give £200 off energy bills to thousands of households after winter fuel payment axe
THOUSANDS of pensioners who have had the winter fuel payment snatched this winter will have the blow softened with cash off energy bills.
Octopus Energy is widening its £30million support fund to low income pensioners who are no longer eligible for the government benefit.
Through the scheme customers can get discretionary credit of between £50 and £200.
It comes as millions of pensioners are set to lose out on £300 of help with energy bills this winter as part of a shake-up to cold weather benefits.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that going forward the winter fuel payment will only be available to those on Pension Credit and other means tested benefits.
Previously it was given to anyone at state pension age usually automatically paid in November or December without any need to apply for the cash.
The government decision was slammed by charity Age UK, which warned two million poorer pensioners “will be in serious trouble as a result”.
Energy bills have fallen dramatically from their peak of £2,500 — but still remain at least £500 more than the average level in 2021.
In response, Octopus Energy has decided to extend its £30m Octo Assist fund to households who are not receiving Pension Credit.
Applications to the fund can be written or made by the phone or online.
It’s estimated hundreds of thousands of households fail to claim Pension Credit they are entitled to which tops up incomes by £2,677 a year.
Octopus said it will also offer free benefit check to help people claim cash they are rightfully owed.
And if you have an elderly relative is an Octopus customer and you are worried, you can flag them up for a friendly phone call and instant support from dedicated Octopus specialists.
Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy Group, said: “At times like this, we can’t expect the government to do everything – companies need to work hard on affordability too.
“That’s why we’ve expanded our Octo Assist fund to introduce extra support for the pensioners who need it most.
“There’s a lot of government and other support for pensioners but many don’t realise it – government data shows one in three pensioners eligible for pension credits are not claiming, so we’re training our team to help with this too.“
What is Octopus’ support fund?
Octopus Energy offers a range of support including cash from its Octopus Energy Assist Fund.
The fund has helped more than 80,000 customers struggling financially with support such as payment breaks, standing charge holidays and help clearing energy bill debt.
It could also include the loan of a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home that you can fix to reduce energy usage and your bill.
It also does home energy visits to help discuss how households can reduce their usage. Plus it has previously gives out free electric blankets.
What you can get depends on your circumstances and needs.
Octopus is encouraging all customers to get in contact if they’re struggling with their bills.
Direct bill support could include vouchers up to £500 or a payment holiday.
You can contact Octopus via its website.
Octo Assist fund is still open for applications and there is no deadline for customers to apply.
How is the winter fuel payment changing?
From this year, only those receiving Pension Credit and other means tested benefits will qualify for winter fuel payments worth £200.
Households where someone is over the age of 80 will receive £300 in winter fuel payments.
Pensioners receiving Universal Credit and income support will also still receive the payment.
It’s thought the change will cut the numbers receiving the benefit down from 11.4million to 1.5million.
Experts said the move should be a prompt for those receiving the move should be a prompt for those receiving State Pension to check their eligibility to Pension Credit and other state benefits.
A huge £2bilion goes unclaimed in Pension Credit each year.
The benefit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single or join income to £332.95. This is worth £2,677 a year.
When you receive Pension Credit it also unlocks other financial support such as council tax benefits and free TV licences for over-75s.
You can use an online benefits calculator to find out your entitlement to support, there is a list of independent and free checks you can make at gov.uk/benefits-calculators.
You can start an application for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach state pension age – if you claim after, you can backdate by up to three months.
Applications need to be made on the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.