With millions of pensioners no longer eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, Octopus Energy is offering discretionary payments worth up to £200 for those struggling
Octopus Energy customers could receive up to £200 to help them cover their energy bills during the colder months.
This year, around ten million pensioners will no longer be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment – following Labour’s controversial Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the drastic cut was necessary to fill the £22 billion black hole left by the Conservative government. Around 1.5 million people will still be eligible for the money, worth up to £300, if they were born before September 23, 1958, live in England, Wales, or Northern Island and receive one of the following:
Many pensioners who do not meet the above requirement say they will still struggle to keep their homes warm this winter, especially with Ofgem’s energy price cap rising again in January. As a result, Octopus Energy is offering financial support with their very own ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
“Means-testing the payment helps make sure support goes to customers who need it most – some of the lowest-income households,” the energy brand wrote. “But no targeting is perfect and we know it could leave some pensioners who are just above the affordability line with additional costs to cover.”
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Octopus Energy has therefore announced it is extending its £30 million Octopus Assist fund so ‘thousands’ of customers can claim discretionary credits of £50, £100, and £200 from the fund. So far, the scheme has helped 80,000 customers through ‘bespoke support’, including payment breaks, standing charge holidays and clearing energy bill debt. Other initiatives include giving out 60,000 heated blankets and loaning thermal imaging cameras so customers can check their homes for any leaky spots wasting energy.
“Overall, we’ve spent well over £150 million to support customers since the beginning of the crisis, between helping the most vulnerable through the Assist fund and absorbing some of the highest energy costs off everyone’s bills,” Octopus Energy added. Customers will be asked information on their health, level of vulnerability, income and monthly costs to work out whether they will be eligible for the payment. The company will also help individuals check to see whether they’re entitled to any other government support or benefits.
If you’re an Octopus Energy customer and will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, you can apply for help through the Octopus Assist Fund here. Alternatively, you can contact the energy firm on 0808 164 1088.
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