State pensioners no longer due Winter Fuel Payments could get £200 from Octopus

Octopus Energy has expanded its support scheme to include State Pension age individuals who don't receive Pension Credit. This follows the UK Government's decision to stop annual Winter Fuel Payments for approximately 10 million older people across Great Britain from this year.

On July 29, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the payment, ranging between £100 and £300, will only be given to around 1.5 million State Pensioners on means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit.

This change in eligibility implies that millions of pensioners who received the payment last year won't get the money this winter. However, Octopus has stated it will extend its £30 million assistance fund into this winter, and State Pensioners who don't meet the new criteria for Winter Fuel Payments will be eligible.

The 'Octo Assist' fund by Octopus Energy has already aided over 80,000 customers, including pensioners. The company said the financial support is customised to the individual and customers can apply throughout the year.

Discretionary credits of £50, £100 and £200 will be accessible to those who apply through the 'Octo Assist' fund, reports the Daily Record.

Octopus Energy has confirmed that it always charges below the energy price cap, which is crucial as the cap is set to increase by 10 per cent from October 1. The company is protecting customers from £150 million of energy costs annually with this strategy.

Additionally, Octopus provides various support measures for its customers, including free electric blankets, loans of thermal imaging cameras to help detect and resolve draft issues, and in-person energy-saving guidance through its 'energy helpers'. Moreover, its 'savings sessions' during peak energy usage times have engaged over