State pensioners struggling with heating costs urged to claim free electric blankets

struggling with costs are urged to check if they can claim a free electric blanket from their energy providers.

and are offering free electric blankets this winter to vulnerable customers who meet certain criteria.

According to research by Octopus, a typical home could save £300 a year by using an electric blanket to keep warm rather than always heating the whole house.

This could be particularly useful following the Government's decision to reduce the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. Millions of state pensioners are set to lose out on the now means-tested benefit, which is a payment worth between £200 and £300 that goes towards heating.

Here's a rundown of the electric blanket support available this winter.

Octopus Energy's free electric blankets

Octopus Energy relaunched its electric blankets scheme this winter, offering an additional 20,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers.

The initiative forms part of Octopus Energy's £30million Octo Assist Fund, which supports customers in specific circumstances, including those who are medically vulnerable, elderly, or living alone.

The electric blankets are supplied by Dreamland, a company known for its "innovative warming technology" for over 50 years.

Customers worried about paying their winter bills are encouraged to find out if they can claim. Octopus will ask a to determine the best support options.

Octopus said: "Customers who apply for our Octo Assist will be assessed and offered the support that'll be most appropriate for them.

To start the process, customers are advised to , and to see if they qualify for financial assistance.

Octopus Energy is also offering new support for vulnerable pensioners who do not qualify for the Government's Winter Fuel Payment.

Discretionary credits of £50, £100, and £200 will be available to low-income pension households that apply and do not receive Pension Credit. Support can be applied for .

OVO Energy's free electric blankets

OVO or Boost customers can for the supplier's £50million , which includes free energy-saving products like electric blankets and mattress toppers.

To complete the application, people will need details of their monthly disposable income. This refers to the amount of money people have left after taxes and paying for essentials.

People may also need to provide recent meter readings.