Pensioners who are not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment may now receive assistance of up to £200 from energy providers such as OVO and Octopus Energy in the UK. Octopus Energy and OVO are extending support to their customers who are on a low income to help them cope with higher heating bills during the winter months.
The UK Government has announced that it will stop the annual Winter Fuel Payments for over 10 million older people, which has led to a change in eligibility criteria. As a result, millions of pensioners who previously received payments ranging from £100 to £600 will no longer receive this financial support. Despite calls for a policy reversal from MPs, charities, and campaigners, the Labour Government is proceeding with this change.
In response to the situation, Octopus Energy has committed to maintaining its £30 million assistance fund throughout the winter. This fund is open to state pensioners who do not meet the new criteria for Winter Fuel Payments. Similarly, OVO has introduced a £50 million support package to help customers facing challenges with their energy bills, especially with the recent increase in the price cap.
Both Octopus Energy and OVO are accepting applications for their support funds, which are available year-round. Octopus Energy’s ‘Octo Assist’ fund offers discretionary credits of £50, £100, and £200 to eligible customers. The company also provides various energy-saving initiatives to help customers lower their energy costs and stay warm during winter.
OVO’s support package includes payment holidays for prepayment customers, energy-saving products, financial support, and partnerships with organisations like the Warm Welcome Campaign and StepChange. The company has assisted over 200,000 customers in the past year and continues to provide additional support to those in need.
Customers of Octopus Energy and OVO can also receive assistance in checking for unclaimed benefits, such as Pension Credit, which offers additional financial aid to older individuals on a low income. Pension Credit not only provides financial support but also grants access to other benefits that can help pensioners manage their living costs effectively.
To apply for Pension Credit, individuals need to provide details of their earnings, benefits, pensions, savings, and investments. The application process can be initiated online or by contacting the Pension Credit helpline. Pensioners can also use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK to estimate the benefits they may be entitled to receive.
In conclusion, the support provided by energy providers like Octopus Energy and OVO offers a lifeline to pensioners who are excluded from traditional government assistance programmes. By taking advantage of these support funds and exploring options like Pension Credit, older individuals can better navigate the financial challenges posed by the cost of living crisis and high heating bills during the winter.