Older people with British Gas due letter urging them to claim £3,900 income boost

dailyrecord.co.uk:

British Gas is writing to older customers urging them to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit, after Labour cut Winter Fuel Payments for people not currently claiming a means-tested benefit.

The energy company said it is “our responsibility” to provide support on top of government help, which will reach an estimated 10million fewer people this year as a result of the cut.British Gas will write to around two million people of State Pension age and over, encouraging them to take up the benefit if they are eligible.

The energy giant will also reopen its annual winter scheme providing financial help for customers, with about £40 million more going towards measures like matching debt repayments and support grants.The company has also upped the maximum grant it will hand out, from £1,500 to £2,000.

The announcement follows similar commitments from other suppliers. British Gas is the UK’s second-largest power firm by customer numbers.Chris O’Shea, chief executive of British Gas’ parent firm Centrica, said that while some cost of living pressures had eased, the crisis is “far from over” for many households..He continued: “At the end of each week or month there will be those that have little, if any, money left after paying for life’s essentials.“We are committed to ensuring that all pensioners are fully informed about their eligibility for pension credit, which can make a significant difference in their financial wellbeing.”Under plans announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July, Winter Fuel Payments will only be issued to people over State Pension age in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (with an annual award of at least £26) and Universal Credit (for mixed age couples).The policy