Energy Rebate Scheme for UK Pensioners
Author: Department for Work and Pensions
Published: 2010/07/11
Topic: Europe (Publications Database)
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item
Synopsis: Up to 20 million Pounds off fuel bills for pensioners as energy rebate scheme gets underway in the UK.
Introduction
Up to 20 million Pounds off fuel bills for poor pensioners as energy rebate scheme gets underway in the U.K.Main Item
Around 250,000 pensioners will start getting 80 Pounds off their next electricity bill from this month, thanks to a deal by the Government and the leading energy suppliers announced earlier this year.
Up to 20 million will be paid out by the largest energy companies in a one-off rebate to some of the pensioners who need the most help with their fuel costs.
The Energy Rebate Scheme is the result of joint working between the Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Energy and Climate Change and the largest energy suppliers.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to all those who are eligible to let them know either that their rebate will be paid automatically, or asking people to call our Helpline and confirm their entitlement.
The DWP shared some of its customer data securely with the energy companies so they could identify the poorest pensioners.
Steve Webb, Minister of State for Pensions, said:
"This cash will help thousands of pensioners get help with their fuel bills who might otherwise be struggling to make ends meet. As many rebates as possible will be awarded automatically, however this will not apply in all cases. If anyone gets a letter from us asking them to call our Helpline they should ring straight away to make sure they don't miss out."
Those eligible are households where at least one person is aged 70 or over, receiving the guaranteed element of Pension Credit but not the savings credit element, are responsible for the electricity account where they live and don't already benefit from a discounted tariff.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Gregory Barker, said:
"This scheme is a huge step forward in the way we help the most vulnerable people in society pay their fuel bills in the future. Fuel poverty remains a massive concern and the coalition government is committed to being far more effective in the way it helps those most in need."
The energy suppliers participating are British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, ScottishPower, and Scottish and Southern Energy and their subsidiary companies.
The Government will evaluate the scheme, which is operating under an existing voluntary agreement with these energy suppliers, and see what lessons can be learned for tackling fuel poverty in the future.
The guarantee credit element of Pension Credit guarantees a minimum income by topping up weekly income to 132.60 Pounds a week for a single person, or 202.40 Pounds for a couple. The savings credit element is for people who have made some provision towards their retirement such as savings or a second pension.
Pensioners who receive Pension Credit also get help to pay their fuel costs during cold spells in their area through Cold Weather Payments. Most people who have reached state pension age for women are also eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment.
Pensioners are eligible if, on 26 March 2010, all of the following applied to them, or their partner:
they were aged 70 or over
they were receiving the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit but not the savings credit element.
they were responsible for the electricity account where they live and were not receiving a social or discounted tariff on their electricity bill.
Pensioners who are living permanently in a care home or who were in hospital receiving free in-patient treatment and had been for more than 52 weeks will not be included in the scheme.
All eligible customers should have received a letter by the end of July.
Further information is available to the public at the Energy Rebate Scheme Helpline on 0845 600 0033. Those with speech or hearing difficulties can call text phone on 0845 606 0285.
Explore Similar Topics
1 - Negative Portrayals of Autism by British Media - The paper analyzed sentiments towards autism and autistic people in British newspapers from 2011 to 2020, as evaluated by autistic people.
2 - UK Healthcare Organizations Receiving Payments From Medical Device Industry - Medical device firms paying millions to UK healthcare organisations, including the NHS, according to a new report.
3 - Persons with Disability Have More Difficulty Accessing Healthcare - Although substantial progress has been made on disability rights, persons with disabilities still experience serious discrimination in getting appropriate healthcare services in the EU and globally.
Complete Publications Database
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Department for Work and Pensions. (2010, July 11). Energy Rebate Scheme for UK Pensioners. Disabled World. Retrieved November 7, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/news/uk/energy-rebate.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/news/uk/energy-rebate.php">Energy Rebate Scheme for UK Pensioners</a>: Up to 20 million Pounds off fuel bills for pensioners as energy rebate scheme gets underway in the UK.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.