Pensioners offered help to reduce energy bills

Friday, July 9th 2010

A number of pensioners in the UK have been given a fuel bill boost by the government that could see them pay less for their home energy.

Some 250,000 people are set to benefit from the scheme, which will see a pot of £20 million shared out among pensioners need it most.

Those who are eligible for the rebate are likely to see as much as £80 come off their next monthly electricity bill.

Perhaps the best news of all for people who think they may be entitled to the cash is that the Department for Work and Pensions will either apply the rebate or contact people to request they phone a helpline.

Steve Webb, minister of state for pensions, says: "This cash will help thousands of pensioners get help with their fuel bills who might otherwise be struggling to make ends meet."

Scottish Widows' UK Pensions Report in 2008 noted less than half (46 per cent) of women and 55 per cent of men are saving adequately for their pension years.