Energy giant Octopus has said it will step in to help pensioners who lost their Winter Fuel Payments and are struggling to pay their bills. The Government has stopped paying the money, worth up to £300, to millions of pensioners after making the support means-tested.
It has left an estimated two million who are on low incomes but don’t meet the criteria for support worried about their bills. Octopus Energy is stepping in to help affected customers who are now struggling to pay their bills as a result.
Those accepted for help will get support with their bills. Pensioners with Octopus who have lost their Winter Fuel Payment can now apply for up to £200 support.
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Octopus explained: “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.
“Means-testing the payment helps make sure support goes to customers who need it most – some of the lowest-income households. 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.
“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.”