Government help
The energy price cap has increased in October 2024. 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. You might already be receiving some of it. Others you might not have heard of, but be able to get.
£200 - £300 Winter Fuel Payment
Visit the gov.uk page on Winter Fuel Payments for more detailed info.
Who gets this?
- People who get Pension Credit
- Live in England or Wales
The exact amount you'll receive for this depends on your age, and whether other people in your household also qualify.
The qualifying week is the week beginning from Monday 16th September 2023
If you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958 the amount you will qualify for is £200
If you were born before 23 September 1944 you will qualify for £300.
You aren't eligible if you
- Have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison for the whole of the week of 16 to 22 September 2024
Other benefits that qualify
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
You may need to claim if you get Universal Credit.
How to claim
You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by:
- Post - from 16 September 2024
- Phone - from 10 October 2024
Information on how to claim it can be found here.
How is it paid?
Into your bank account.
When is it paid?
Normally around November or December 2024.
What if I am no longer eligible this year?
If you were previously eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance but are no longer receiving it this year due to the government changes, we’re extending our £30m Octo Assist fund for the thousands of customers missing out. You can find out more information and how to apply for the Octo Assist fund here.
£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 2024 and 31st March 2025.
£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 2025. 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 11th August 2024 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 2024.
If you receive a means tested benefit, like Income Support, or Universal Credit, or you have an annual household income under £19,978, 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 19th September 2024 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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