New £300 Winter Fuel Payments confirmed for pensioners who missed out
Pensioners who lost their Winter Fuel Payments this year may be able to get the support from elsewhere instead. The Government scrapped the support payments for millions of pensioners for 2024/25, sparking concerns about how some of the worst off would pay for their heating over winter.
But energy customers may be able to get payments from their supplier instead. Octopus Energy is offering up to £200 in Winter Fuel Payments to struggling customers, while British Gas is offering £300 through a match payment scheme.
Support is available to customers worried about affording their bills or who have already fallen behind with payments. People can apply to their supplier for payments and they will judge who gets support based on individual circumstances.
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While the very poorest pensioners still received their Winter Fuel Payments, there has been huge criticism of how the support was means tested. An estimated two million on low incomes were judged to be above the threshold, leaving them up to £300 worse off at a time when energy bills have just risen in January and are going up again in April.
Octopus 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."
They added: "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."
British Gas said: "It’s simple - we’ll match 100% of every payment you make into your energy account for a six-month period with the same amount. By doing this, we’ll help you reduce the cost of your energy bills and get you back on track.
"We know there’s a lot of pressure on householders to pay their bills - this scheme can help to provide peace of mind during the winter months when energy bills are higher. All you’ll need to do is agree to a regular monthly payment arrangement by direct debit for six months - whatever fixed amount is affordable for you.
"For example, if you pay £50 a month for six consecutive months, we’ll pay £50 into your energy account each month for the duration of your payment arrangement - £300 in total."