State pensioners must have £153 worth of credit in energy account by November

Pensioners will see energy bills rise £500 this winter after losing the £300 Winter Fuel Payment. A 10 per cent rise in the energy price cap will push typical household bills from £1,568 to £1,717 annually from October 1, Ofgem has confirmed.

Greg Marsh, CEO of Nous.co has explained four ways British pensioners can cut their energy costs this winter. He urged pensioners up and down the UK to "check Pension Credit eligibility". Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Pension Credit provides extra funds to assist with living costs for those over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also grant access to a variety of other benefits.

The benefit increases income to a minimum of £218.15 per week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples - more if an individual has a disability or caring responsibilities. Those with a severe disability, carers, and those responsible for a child or young person living with them could receive additional funds.

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Take a meter reading on September 30 to avoid being charged higher rates for earlier usage, he added. Monitor credit balances if paying by direct debit. By November, credit should equal at least one month's payment. And consider switching providers. Many households can save around £150 without committing to a fixed deal.

The average annual energy bill for 2023 is £1,834 or £153 a month - meaning pensioners must be £152 in credit by November. Marsh also warned against ditching direct debits, as it remains the cheapest payment method. He said: "Customers who pay by standard credit – cash or cheque – currently pay around £100 per year more than direct debit customers."

When it comes to Pension Credit, you can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.

This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.