As the cold months approach, Octopus Energy is urging eligible UK households—especially state pensioners—to claim a substantial benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) worth on average £2,677 per year.
The energy supplier warns that 850,000 of its UK customers have not yet claimed Pension Credit, meaning they could be missing out on critical financial support just when they need it most.
This article breaks down every detail you need to know: eligibility, rates, application process, and additional support unlocked by claiming.
What Is Being Offered & Why Octopus Energy Is Warning Now
- Octopus Energy cautions that many pensioners are unaware of their entitlement to Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit designed to top up low incomes.
- According to Octopus, as many as 850,000 UK customers haven’t claimed Pension Credit and are missing out on £2,677 on average per year.
- The timing is urgent: as winter sets in, heating, energy and living costs rise — making every extra pound count.
Pension Credit: What It Does & How Much You Could Get
Guarantee Credit – The Core Top-Up
- For the financial year 2025/26, Guarantee Credit ensures your weekly income is topped up to:
- £227.10 per week if you’re single
- £346.60 per week for a couple / joint claim
- If your existing income is below those thresholds, Guarantee Credit will fill the gap.
Savings Credit & Additional Premiums
- Savings Credit: For people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, an extra weekly payment may be available.
- Extra additions: You could also receive more if you are severely disabled (up to £82.90/week), a carer (up to £46.40/week), or have other qualifying responsibilities.
- Housing costs, mortgage interest, or service charges may also be considered to increase your entitlement.
What the Top-Up Means in Practice
If you qualify for full Guarantee Credit, your income will be boosted to the guaranteed weekly sums above. That translates into extra cash over the year — approximately £2,677 for average claimants (as flagged by Octopus).
Additional Benefits Unlocked by Claiming
Claiming Pension Credit does more than just boost weekly income. It also unlocks a suite of additional support:
| Benefit / Support | Description & Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Winter Fuel Payment | Automatic or means-tested payment to help with heating costs |
| Cold Weather Payment | Paid when temperature drops to 0 °C or below for 7 consecutive days |
| Warm Home Discount | A £150 credit on energy bills if you meet eligibility criteria |
| Housing Benefit / Council Tax Reduction | Helps reduce or eliminate rent or council tax payments |
| Free TV Licence (75+) | If you’re aged 75 or over and receiving Guarantee Credit |
| Health & NHS Cost Assistance | Free prescriptions, dental care, glasses, and transport for hospital can be available |
| Carer Addition | Extra weekly payment (≈ £46.40) if you’re a carer |
Application Process & Timelines
- You can apply up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age, or any time after.
- Claims can be backdated by up to 3 months, meaning you could receive a lump-sum payment for the period you were eligible but hadn’t claimed yet.
- To apply, you can use:
- Online via GOV.UK
- By phone, via the Pension Credit claim line (0800 99 1234)
- Or via postal application
- You’ll need: your National Insurance number, bank/account details, details of savings, pensions, income, and information about any housing costs.
Why This Matters: The Stakes Are High
- Energy costs and inflation remain a big pressure for older households entering winter.
- Missing out on £2,677+ of support means many pensioners may struggle to pay bills, heat their homes, or afford essentials.
- Octopus Energy is also working with 60+ local authorities to raise awareness and guide customers through the claims process via its Octopus Assist programme.
- Because many people wrongly believe they’re not eligible or that the process is difficult, uptake remains low despite significant benefits being available.
Table of Key Figures & Facts
| Metric / Fact | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Average annual benefit lost (per claimant) | £2,677 |
| Number of Octopus customers yet to claim | 850,000 |
| Weekly guarantee for single claim | £227.10 |
| Weekly guarantee for couples | £346.60 |
| Cold Weather Payment condition | ≥7 days at ≤ 0 °C |
| Warm Home Discount value | £150 credit |
| Backdating window | Up to 3 months |
| Local authorities partnering | 60+ via Octopus Assist |
With winter looming, the last thing any pensioner needs is to miss out on £2,677 of vital support purely because of lack of awareness.
Octopus Energy’s warning spotlights how many eligible households haven’t claimed Pension Credit — leaving money on the table and losing access to a cascade of essential benefits.
If you or a loved one qualify, don’t delay. Apply now, backdate up to three months, and unlock a more secure, warmer winter period.