People on benefits supposedly protected from energy price increases

[Witsend08]

I've seen a few articles today about people on benefits being protected from the energy increases but I'm confused as it only mentions people who pay their bills by direct debit etc and nothing about people on a prepayment metre who have to top up a key.

I'm on UC and I'm a carer for my disabled child so if I am entitled to some protection from the increase that would be a huge relief as we're barely getting by as it is.

Can anybody shed any light on this?

I'll link a couple of sources but there are plenty online to see

www.google.com/amp/s/www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-ban-energy-firms-taking-24686590.amp

www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/people-five-dwp-benefits-protected-7519325

What that article actually says (the Bristol post one, I didnt look at the other) is that claimants who have deductions for energy arrears taken direct from their award and sent to the Energy companies are protected in that they will not have extra taken from their award.

They are not protected from the price cap

Under the DWP's Fuel Direct policy, claimants who are in debt with their gas and electricity can face deductions that come straight out of their benefit payments to clear off the arrears. Previously, suppliers could also demand extra amounts to cover a claimant's current energy usage but this has been stopped because of the cost of living crisis, BirminghamLive reports.

They will still owe the money, it just won't come direct from their benefits

Gotcha. Thanks for explaining.

Looks like I'm still fucked then 😐

@Witsend08 tbf we're all fucked this winter, and spring, and autumn...