British Gas To Provide Targeted Support For Elderly Customers

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• British Gas will be writing to its 2 million older customers to encourage them to take up Pension Credit - with 760,000 eligible UK pensioners not currently claiming

• Customers can access additional help through British Gas’ £140 million support package including matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit

• The British Gas Energy Support Fund reopens on 4th November providing grants up to £2,000 

British Gas has announced that it is writing to 2 million customers who are at or approaching pension age to encourage take up of Pension Credit. There are currently 760,000 pensioners in the UK not in receipt of it who could be eligible - so a staggering £166 million in benefits are being left unclaimed. The communications will support Government’s efforts to highlight how Pension Credit not only boosts weekly income but also unlocks additional support, including access to the Winter Fuel Payment. 

There is help available for low-income pensioners through the British Gas support schemes which include grants, matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for prepayment customers. The company has a £140 million support package to help households struggling with the cost of living – offering the most voluntary support ever provided to UK customers by an energy company. 

The British Gas Energy Support Fund will reopen on 4th November to provide grants up to £2,000 for anyone struggling this winter. In the meantime, customers and non-customers can access advice and grants through the British Gas Energy Trust which supports all energy consumers. 

British Gas has also partnered with the Post Office to deliver face-to-face money and energy advice sessions in local branches across the UK this winter. These sessions aim to reach more people to raise awareness of the help and support available, including financial assistance like Pension Credit.

Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas: “While it’s good news that food and energy prices are lower than they were at the start of the crisis, for many households the struggle to keep up with the cost-of-living is far from over. 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. 

“It’s our responsibility as the nation’s leading energy supplier to provide support for our customers in addition to the help offered by Government, and that’s why we’ve put £140 million into supporting those who need help the most in addition to our ongoing commitment to the amazing team at the British Gas Energy Trust.” 

Minister for Pensions, Emma Reynolds, said: “Pension Credit is a vital benefit. Not only is it worth £3,900 a year on average, but it also acts as a gateway to other benefits. This means even just one pound could passport pensioners to extra help including help with Council tax, Housing Benefit, and the Winter Fuel Payment.

“I support British Gas’ campaign to ensure all those who could be eligible are getting this help and urge all pensioners, and their friends and family, to check to see if they or their loved could be getting additional support via our online calculator.”