Octopus Energy handing free £200 payments to customers as it 'steps up to help'

Octopus Energy handing free £200 payments to customers as it 'steps up to help'
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Octopus Energy is handing out free £200 payments to customers as it "steps up" to help. Fewer UK households are now eligible for the government’s £200-300 Winter Fuel Payment this year after a Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) and new Labour Party government shake-up.

"We're offering financial support to customers missing out on Winter Fuel Payments," Octopus said. "Missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year and worried you’ll struggle to pay your bills? Apply to receive support from Octopus instead."

Founder Greg Jackson said: "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."

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Up until recently, the payment went to all UK households with someone over state pension age. Starting this winter, it’ll only go to households who also receive Pension Credit - which is worth £3,900 - or another one of these benefits.

This means the number of households who’ll receive the payment will go from around 11 million to just over 1 million. Mr Jackson said: "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." He said: "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.

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"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.

"We’ll also check if you’re entitled to any other government support or benefits (which for some customers, add up to £10,000 a year) and can help you apply."