An extra 200,000 pensioners are to receive money off their energy bills this winter as the government's Warm Home Discount Scheme is expanded for the fourth year running.
In total more than two million people will receive the subsidy, about twice as many as when the scheme was first launched in 2011.
The initiative which helps vulnerable and low income households with their energy costs, has now been expanded to everyone in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, including those also in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit.
In addition, hundreds of thousands of the poorest working age people will also qualify for the subsidy to help them keep their homes at a comfortable temperature throughout the winter season.
DWP minister Steve Webb said: 'It is this coalition government's mission to build a fairer society, and ensuring our poorest households get the support they need with their energy costs is a key part of that.'
