Octopus Energy has extended its support scheme to include those of state pension age who are not receiving pension credit. This follows the UK government's decision to stop annual Winter Fuel Payments for around 10 million older people in the UK from this year.
On 29 July, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced that the payment, ranging from £100 to £300, will only be provided to around 1.5 million state pensioners who rely on a means-tested benefit such as the State Pension Scheme.
This change in eligibility means that millions of pensioners who received the payment last year will not get the money this winter. However, Octopus has stated that it will extend its £30 million relief fund this winter, and that state pensioners who do not meet the new criteria for Winter Fuel Payments will be eligible.
Octopus Energy's 'Octo Assist' fund has helped more than 80,000 customers, including pensioners. The company said the financial support is tailored to the individual and customers can apply throughout the year.
According to the Daily Record, people who apply through the 'Octo Assist' fund will be given discretionary loans of £50, £100 and £200.
Octopus Energy has confirmed that it will always charge below the energy price cap, which is crucial as the cap is set to increase by 10 per cent from 1 October. The strategy will protect customers from £150m in annual energy costs.
In addition, Octopus offers a range of support measures for its customers, including free electric blankets, loans of thermal imaging cameras to detect and resolve draught problems, and personal energy saving advice via its 'energy helpers'. Furthermore, its 'saving sessions' during peak energy consumption times have attracted over 2 million participants, resulting in £10.5 million in savings for customers over the past two winters.
Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy Group, emphasised the importance of corporate social responsibility alongside government efforts, saying: "In times like these, we can't expect the government to do everything - businesses also need to work hard on affordability. That's why we've expanded our Octo Assist fund to provide additional support to the pensioners who need it most."
He highlighted the problem of unclaimed government support, adding: "There is a lot of government support and other support for pensioners, but many people don't realise this. Government data shows that one in three pensioners who are entitled to pension credits do not claim them. That's why we are training our team to help with this too."
Octopus Energy advisers are also on hand to help customers check for unclaimed benefits such as Pension Credit, which provides additional financial support for those of state pension age on low incomes. This credit can lead to entitlement to further benefits.
Pension credit
The benefit increases income to a minimum of £218.15 a week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples, with additional amounts for people with disabilities or caring responsibilities. Even a benefit of just £1 a week can unlock other support, such as Winter Fuel Payments.
To check if they qualify for pension credit, older people or their friends and family can use the online pension credit calculator on GOV. UK.
You can also make a claim by contacting the Pension Credit helpline directly on 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Expert help and advice is also available through:
Below is a brief overview of the benefit, including information on who should qualify, how to apply, and the possible amounts you can receive.
Other support available for Pension Credit
If you qualify for pension credit, you may also be eligible for additional assistance, such as:
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Housing benefit if you rent the home you live in
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Mortgage interest support if you own the property you live in
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Discount on municipal tax
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Free TV license if you are 75 or older
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Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
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Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment
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Discount on Royal Mail forwarding service if you are moving house
Mixed-age older couples
In May 2019, the law changed for 'mixed age couples' - where one partner is of state pension age and the other is below. They are now considered a 'working' couple for the purposes of checking means-testing eligibility.
This means that they cannot claim pension credit or pensionable housing benefit until both partners have reached state pension age. Before this change by the DWP, a mixed-age couple could claim the more generous state pension age benefits when only one partner had reached state pension age.
How to use the Pension Credit Calculator
To use the calculator on GOV. UK you will need specific information about:
If you have a partner, you will also need his/her details. You will be given a series of questions with multiple choice answers.
This includes:
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Your date of birth
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Your residential status
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Where in the UK you live
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Whether you are registered blind
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What benefits you are currently receiving
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How much you receive each week for any benefits you receive
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Whether someone receives a caregiver allowance to care for you
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How much you receive per week from pension - AOW, private and company pensions
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All income from employment
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Any savings, investments or bonds you have
Once you have answered these questions, your answers will be displayed on a summary screen so you can review your answers before submitting them. The Pension Credit calculator will then show you how much benefit you can receive each week.
All you need to do now is follow the link to the application page where you will find out exactly what you can receive from the DWP, including access to other financial support.
There is also an option to print out the answers you provide using the calculator, so you can complete the application form more quickly without having to search for the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or a family member to ensure you receive all the financial support you are entitled to.
For whom is the Pension Credit Calculator not useful?
The calculator cannot be used if you or your partner:
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Postpone your AOW benefit
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Owning more than one home
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Are self-employed?
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Do you have housing costs (such as service charges or rent from the Crown) that are not covered by mortgage costs or rent and that are covered by the Housing Benefit?
How to file a claim
You can submit your application up to four months before reaching AOW age. You may submit a claim at any time after reaching AOW age, but your claim can only be submitted retroactively for three months.
This means that with your first payment you can receive up to three months of pension credit if you were eligible during that period.
You will need the following:
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Your citizen service number.
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Information about your income, savings and investments.
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Your bank account details, if you apply by telephone or post.
If you want to backdate your claim, you will need information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.
Apply online
You can use the online service if:
To check if you are entitled, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV. UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could receive.
