Nearly 1 Million Pensioners to Get £140 Off Fuel Bills Automatically
Around a million pensioners across the UK are set to save £140 on their energy bills thanks to a government-backed scheme in partnership with energy firms. The effort aims to ease the cost of living and keep homes warm this winter.
Automatic Discounts for Most Pensioners
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) teamed up with over 50 energy suppliers to cross-check records. This clever data match means 95% of eligible Pension Credit claimants will receive the discount automatically, slashing bills by a total of £137 million.
The reduction – part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme – will come off energy bills before March 2021, with most pensioners seeing savings by January.
Extra Help and How to Claim
For the 220,000 pensioners who partially qualify but don’t get the discount automatically, the government has sent letters urging them to claim via a dedicated helpline. This move aims to ensure as many vulnerable households as possible benefit from the support.
Government Pledges to Extend Support
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, said:
“This government has actively helped pensioners on low incomes with their energy bills. We know how important it is that people keep their homes warm during the cold winter months, which is why I am thrilled that we have used our IT to ensure nearly one million pensioners automatically see their bills reduced.”
The Warm Home Discount Scheme will continue until at least March 2022, helping low-income and vulnerable households tackle rising energy costs.
£350 Million Fund Tackling Fuel Poverty
The £350 million pot doesn’t just help pensioners. It also supports working-age families facing fuel poverty. By knocking £140 off energy bills each year, the scheme targets those on low incomes, ensuring thousands can afford to heat their homes.
Nearly 977,000 Pension Credit recipients have been identified for the fuel discount thanks to the DWP’s thorough data-matching exercise.
