CASH BOOST: Octopus Energy says 850,000 of its UK customers haven’t claimed Pension Credit yet (Image: Getty) <\/p>\n
Octopus Energy is calling on state pensioners across the UK to claim a benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) worth an average of \u00a32,677 annually, ahead of the winter season. The energy provider estimates that up to 850,000 of its UK customers have not yet applied for Pension Credit<\/a>, meaning they could be missing out on significant financial support.<\/p>\n Pension Credit provides additional income to people who have reached State Pension age in England, Scotland and Wales. It is separate from the State Pension<\/a> and can increase weekly income to \u00a3227.10 for single claimants or \u00a3346.60 for couples. <\/p>\n The benefit also unlocks access to other forms of assistance, including Housing Benefit, reduced Council Tax, the Winter Fuel Payment, and the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which helps cover heating costs. As a result, Octopus Energy is encouraging state pensioners concerned about energy bills this winter<\/a> to check their eligibility.<\/p>\n THE COST OF LIVING<\/p>\n \u201c850,000 UK customers haven\u2019t claimed Pension Credit yet – missing out on support of \u00a32,677 a year on average,\u201d an Octopus Energy spokesperson told the Express<\/a>. \u201cOur Octopus Assist application will tell you if you\u2019re eligible for any support, and we can help customers apply. <\/p>\n “Our team is working with over 60+ local authorities to ensure communities know how to access support, from Octopus Assist and government schemes like Pension Credit, to cover their bills and stay warm.\u201d<\/p>\n The company outlined three key benefits you may be entitled to if you claim Pension Credit:<\/p>\n Pension Credit can be claimed up to four months before reaching State Pension age and at any time afterwards. Applications can be backdated by up to three months, meaning new claimants could receive an initial payment covering this period.<\/p>\n\n