Government help
The energy price cap went up in October 2023. The BBC explain what the energy price cap is here.
The government and energy suppliers have a number of different schemes to help customers pay for energy.
We'll explain who each is for, how to get it, and when you can expect to get it.
Cost of Living support from the government
This is special help the government is giving during the energy and cost of living crisis.
There are a few different support schemes involved:
£900 Cost Of Living Payment For People On Benefits
Visit the gov.uk page on cost of living payments for people on benefits for more detailed info.
Who gets this?
You may be entitled to Cost of Living Payments if you receive any of the following benefits or tax credits on certain dates:
People on benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
How is it paid?
Into your bank account.
When is it paid?
If you’re entitled, you will get:
- £301 paid between 25 April 2023 and 17 May 2023 for most people on DWP benefits
- £301 paid between 2 and 9 May 2023 for most people on tax credits and no other low income benefits
- £300 paid during autumn 2023 for most people
- £299 paid during spring 2024 for most people
Up to £300 Cost Of Living Payment For Pensioners
Visit the gov.uk page on cost of living payments for pensioners for more detailed info.
Who gets this?
Pensioners who can get Winter Fuel Payments.
How is it paid?
When you get your Winter Fuel Payment, you'll receive an additional £150, or £300.
This money is not taxable and doesn't stop you from getting other types of benefit.
When is it paid?
November or December 2023.
£150 Disability Cost Of Living Payment
Visit the gov.uk page on disability cost of living payments for more detailed info.
Who gets this?
People on some types of benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for adults
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
How is it paid?
Into your bank account. This money is not taxable and doesn't stop you from getting other types of benefit.
When is it paid?
We'll update this page with the qualifying date for the Disability Cost of Living Payment when it is announced by government.
Regular yearly government support
This is ongoing support the government gives every year to people who need help paying for their energy.
You might already be receiving some of it.
Others you might not have heard of, but be able to get.
£250 - £600 Winter Fuel Payment
Visit the gov.uk page on Winter Fuel Payments for more detailed info.
Who gets this?
The exact amount you'll receive for this depends on your age, and whether other people in your household also qualify.
Pensioners:
- People who get Pension Credit
- People born before 25th September 1957, who are likely to qualify in the winter of 2023-2024, as long as you are living in the UK during the qualifying week.
- The qualifying week is the week beginning from Monday 18th September 2023.
Some people on different benefits:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
The payment is different depending on your circumstances.
You should already be getting this if you are meant to be getting it.
How is it paid?
Into your bank account.
When is it paid?
Normally around November or December 2023.
£25/week Cold Weather Payment
Visit the gov.uk page on Cold Weather Payment for more detail.
When does this happen?
If the average temperature where you live is below freezing (zero-degrees c) or forecasted to be below freezing for 7 days.
Who gets this?
Pensioners:
- People on Pension Credit
Some people on different benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Support for Mortgage Interest
How is it paid?
Into your bank account.
When is it paid?
Between 1st November 2023 and 31st March 2024.
£150 Warm Home Discount (England and Wales)
The Warm Home Discount helps eligible customers cover their high winter bills. Customers who qualify receive a credit of £150 towards their energy bills before 31 March 2024. Find out more at our Warm Home Discount page.
£150 Warm Home Discount (Scotland)
If you were in receipt of the Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit on 13th August 2023 you don’t need to apply. You will be contacted in writing by the Department for Work and Pensions between late October to the end of December 2023.
If you receive a means tested benefit, like Income Support, or Universal Credit, or you have an annual household income under £18,723, you may be eligible for the Broader Group.
Applications for the Scotland Broader Group £150 Warm Home Discount payment are now open. You can apply now in your Octopus account.
Octopus support
We've got more information about how we can support you this winter.
Published on 15th July 2022 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
×Close window