On April 1, 2022, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) made a temporary change to the policy of allowing ongoing energy payments to be taken directly from certain benefits - known as the ‘Fuel Direct’ scheme.
The change ensured only claimants could create new arrangements to pay energy bills directly from their benefit, and only they could increase the level of existing payments. However, some suppliers have stated it is no longer commercially viable to offer Fuel Direct.
As a result, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has written to the Chief Executive of Ofgem to ask for support in ensuring DWP claimants will continue to be supported during these challenging times and to make sure energy suppliers fulfil their statutory requirements.
