Octopus Energy customers could be in line for up to £200 to help cover their energy bills during the colder months. This comes as around ten million pensioners will no longer qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, following Labour’s Autumn Budget.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves explained that this cut was necessary to plug the £22 billion black hole left by the Conservative government. Approximately 1.5 million individuals will still be eligible for the money, worth up to £300, if they were born before September 23, 1958, reside in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and receive one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Many pensioners who do not meet these criteria say they will still struggle to heat their homes this winter, particularly with Ofgem’s energy price cap set to rise again in January, reports the Mirror. As a result, Octopus Energy is offering financial support with their very own ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
“Means-testing the payment ensures support goes to customers who need it most – some of the lowest-income households,” the energy brand stated.
“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.”
Octopus Energy has declared an extension of its £30 million Octopus Assist fund, enabling ‘thousands’ of customers to claim discretionary credits of £50, £100, and £200. The support scheme has already aided 80,000 customers with ‘bespoke support’, including payment breaks, standing charge holidays, and wiping clean energy bill debts.
Furthermore, the company has distributed 60,000 heated blankets and offered thermal imaging cameras for hire to help consumers identify heat loss areas in their homes. “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 said.
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.