Thousands of state pensioners will receive at least £233 in financial support by the end of March to help with rising energy costs. This is especially important now as energy bills have gone up slightly this month due to changes in Ofgem’s price cap.
Many pensioners are feeling the strain, particularly those who have lost some Winter Fuel Payments this year. Thankfully, there are several types of financial help available through government schemes, and these are typically given during the colder months.
One form of support is the Warm Home Discount, which offers £150 off electricity bills. If you’re a pensioner receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, you’ll automatically qualify. If you’re on the Savings Credit part of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Housing Benefit, you might also be eligible.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send a letter between November and January if you qualify, and the payment is made directly to your energy provider between November and March, so you don’t have to do anything.
For people in Scotland, there’s an additional benefit called the Winter Heating Payment, which provides a one-off payment of £58.75 to help with heating costs. This is available to people receiving benefits like Pension Credit or Universal Credit. You don’t need to apply for this payment; it’s sent automatically in one instalment between December 2024 and February 2025.
Another form of help is the Cold Weather Payment, which gives £25 for each week when the temperature drops below freezing in your area.
If you’re on Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits, this payment is triggered automatically when cold weather conditions are met. This scheme runs from November 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, and the money is sent straight to your bank account.
These schemes are designed to help pensioners manage their energy bills during the colder months, reducing the worry of choosing between heating their homes and covering other essential expenses.
If you think you’re eligible but haven’t received any payments, it’s worth contacting the DWP or your energy provider for help. Local councils can also offer advice and additional support if needed.
