In a move to support the most vulnerable, Octopus Energy has confirmed it will offer financial aid to low-income pensioners affected by the Government’s changes to Winter Fuel Payments. Previously available to all pensioners, the payments are now means-tested, leaving around two million people who depend on them but no longer qualify to face difficulties in affording their heating costs.
To counter this, Octopus Energy is stepping up and pledging up to £200 in energy credit for those impacted. Pensioners looking for support must apply either online, over the phone, or through the post to see what assistance they’re entitled to.
Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.
Octopus highlighted the urgency of the issue, saying: “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.”
To bridge this gap, they announced: “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.”