Octopus will pay certain age group free £200 towards energy bills

The new Labour Party government will limit the £300 Winter Fuel Payments to only the poorest pensioners, it has confirmed, in a Cost of Living blow.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Octopus Energy is paying pensioners £200 to offset the cost of the Winter Fuel Allowance cut. The new Labour Party government will limit the £300 Winter Fuel Payments to only the poorest pensioners, it has confirmed, in a Cost of Living blow.

Octopus says: "The Winter Fuel Payment is a yearly payment (of either £200 or £300) to help pension-age households cover their bills in the winter. 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 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. 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."

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It explained: "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."

The message from the OVO, EDF, E ON and British Gas rival this week went on to say: "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. More on that below."