Millions of people are set to receive up to £1,474 to help with their energy bills this winter.
On Monday, the new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt dramatically scaled back support for household energy bills and ditched tax cuts promised by his predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng as he seeks to restore stability following weeks of turmoil in the financial markets.
In an emergency statement, Mr Hunt said the energy price guarantee - which had been due to cap prices for two years - will end in April after which time the Government will look to target help on those most in need.
READ MORE: Millions of UK bank accounts to get £330 cash boost
However, this is a statement from a new Chancellor who, on four separate occasions following his announcements in Parliament, refused to answer whether or not the State Pension Triple Lock guarantee would be observed for the annual uprating in April, the Daily Record reports.
The Triple Lock guarantees that State Pensions grow in line with whichever is highest out of earnings, inflation or 2.5%. It was introduced to help give pensioners a decent minimum level of income which would keep pace with growth in workers' earnings.
While the uprating to State Pension payments and other benefits remains uncertain, millions of older people may not be aware of all the cash help available to them this winter - and most of it will be paid automatically. In total, older people could be due up to £1,474, although some of this is paid directly to energy suppliers and deducted from electricity bills.
Here's what older people could be entitled to this winter:
Second cost of living payment - £324
Older people in receipt of Pension Credit will be eligible for the second cost of living payment of £324 due to be paid from November 8 - 23.
For someone over 66 to qualify, they must have been entitled to a payment of Pension Credit on or before the qualifying date of September 25, 2022.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that new claims received before December 19, which later turn out to be successful, will receive the payment.
This is because Pension Credit is a retrospective benefit, which means it can be backdated by three months.
Even if someone is only awarded one penny they will qualify for the £324 payment.
DWP explained: “People do not have to do anything extra to backdate their claim. If they make their application online, they will automatically be asked about backdating, and if they make their application over the phone the adviser will talk them through this.”
Winter Fuel Payment - up to £600
This year, a one-off pensioner cost of living payment (worth between £150 and £300) is being added to the annual Winter Fuel Payments, which are worth up to £300 depending on your household circumstances.
In total, these combined payments are worth up to £600 in heating bill help and will start to land in bank accounts from mid-November. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said that these should arrive no later than January 13, 2023.
It is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for other benefits. The money is paid per household.
To be eligible for this year's Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born on or before September 25, 1956 and lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 19 to 25 September 2022 - this is called the "qualifying week".
You can find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment here
Other support paid directly to your supplier
Warm Home Discount - £150
The scheme officially opens in November, but some suppliers are taking applications now. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill made directly to your supplier, between October 2022 and March 2023.
The list of energy suppliers participating in the winter 2022/23 Warm Home Discount scheme has not been updated on GOV.UK yet, but the £150 discount is normally automatically made to those on a low income or qualifying benefit.
The benefits that will qualify automatically for the Warm Homes Discount are:
- Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- Savings Credit element of Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
If you get the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, you will get the Warm Home Discount provided your energy firm is part of the scheme and your name - or that of your partner - is on the energy bill.
We recently looked at the rule changes for the scheme which you can read here
£400 energy bills rebate
The £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme also started this month, giving households a monthly discount of £66 (£67 from December) off their electricity bill until March, 2023.
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