Energy giant Octopus is inviting eligible pensioners worried about their bills to apply for financial help. The company is supporting hundreds of thousands of people who have had their Winter Fuel Payments removed and are struggling to pay their heating costs as a result.
Winter Fuel Payments were previously given to all pensioners but now only go to those on Pension Credit and certain other benefits. It has resulted in an estimated two million people losing the support despite being on low incomes as they don’t meet the threshold for Pension Credit.
Octopus said it was giving out £50, £100 and £200 ‘discretionary credits’ to help customers save on their bills. Pensioners on low incomes who have lost their winter payments are being invited to apply.
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The energy firm said: “Fewer UK households are now eligible for the Government’s £200-300 Winter Fuel Payment this year. And we know many customers depended on this help.
“That’s why we’re stepping up to help bring this support back to customers who need it most: offering our own £50, £100 and £200 ‘Winter Fuel Payments’ to thousands of Octopus customers who’ll no longer be eligible with the recent changes. We’re extending our £30m Octopus Assist fund so that thousands of customers missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment and struggling with bills can now claim discretionary credits of £50, £100 and £200 from the fund.
“We’ll ask you to share some information about your health, any vulnerabilities, income and monthly costs so we can work out the best ways we can help you. Applying is quick and straightforward, and you can do it online, over the phone, or by mail.”