by Almost half a million people have signed an online petition with Age UK urging the UK Government to reverse its decision to reverse means-tested Winter Fuel Payments. The charity began its campaign following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement at the end of July, with the legislation being rushed through parliament on August 22, avoiding any debate or vote.
The winter fuel payment is a tax-free sum paid in November or December to anyone over state pension age to help with heating costs during the winter. It is worth between £100 and £300, depending on where you live and who you live with. But with the update, it is estimated that 10 million pensioners will lose the help if they do not receive means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit.
An Age UK campaign called ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners’ warns that the change will have a negative impact on older people who rely on the extra financial support to help with higher bill costs during the winter to cover. Ms Reeves blamed the decision to cut the allowance on a £22bn “black hole” in the public finances.
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Speaking to the BBC, Leader of Commons Lucy Powell said she could not see Mr Reeves abandoning his plan, and warned there could be a “run on the pound” if the government did not act on finances. public. For money saving tips, sign up to our Money Newsletter here
She admitted that losing the payment would make it even harder for pensioners, but defended the government for making “very difficult decisions” such as targeting winter fuel payments. On Thursday, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, joined the Conservatives in calling for a vote in the House of Commons on the matter, describing it as the government’s first big mistake.
On Monday 2nd September, the UK Government launched ‘Pension Credit Action Week’ aimed at encouraging older people to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which would allow them to access Winter Fuel Payments . “Up to 880,000 pensioners could be missing out on this cash boost worth up to £3,900 a year on average,” the campaign says. “Families, friends and neighbors are being encouraged to contact retired family members to encourage them to check their eligibility and apply.”
Pensioners with a weekly income below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple are being asked to use the DWP’s online calculator to determine their eligibility for payments. Pension Credit could be worth an average of £3,900 per year. Claims made before 21 December that are successful later will receive a backdated Winter Fuel Payment.
Commenting on the campaign, MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis said: “It is a national tragedy that almost a million eligible low-income pensioners who have paid into the system for many years are missing out on the vital financial superpower of Pension Credit – a better name better. as ‘State Pension Supplement’ would be.
“So, no matter what age you are, take a second to understand how it works, so we can make sure the message gets out to all grandmas and grandmas (and great-grandmas, too). if you claim Pension Credit you will still get it.
“Although most single pensioners need a total weekly income, including from savings, of around £218 (pensioner couples under £333) to qualify, my rule of thumb is to spend a few minutes to check even with weekly income. up to £235 (pensioner couples £350) as some may be eligible.
“Pension Credit can pay £1,000 a year, but even if it only pays you a pence, still claim it! As you get it, it’s a gateway benefit that opens the door to other entitlements – with includes council tax reductions, free TV licenses (if over 75) dental and optical support and more.”
How to check eligibility for Pension Credit
You can check eligibility for yourself or your friends and family by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here. It will give you an estimate of what could be found, reports the Daily Record.
The Pension Credit helpline can also be used directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from:
More help if you qualify for Pension Credit
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Housing benefit if the property you live in is rented
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Support for mortgage interest if you own the property you live in
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Council tax discount
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Free TV license if you’re 75 or over
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Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
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Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment
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Discount on Royal Mail’s referral service if you are moving house
Older mixed couples and Pension Credit
In May 2019, the law changed so ‘mixed age couples’ – couples where one partner is of state pension age and the other is below that age – are considered ‘working age’ couples and checking your means-tested entitlement to benefits. .
This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or Pension Age Housing Benefit until they are both of State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed-age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous state pension age benefits when only one of them had reached the correct age.
How to use the Pension Credit calculator
To use the calculator on GOV.UK, you will need details of:
You will also need these details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented with a series of questions with multiple choice answer options.
This includes:
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Your date of birth
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Your residential status
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Where do you live in the UK
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Whether you are registered blind
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What benefits do you currently receive
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How much you get each week for any benefits you receive
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Whether Carer’s Allowance is paid to someone to look after you
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How much you get each week from pensions – State Pension, private and work pensions
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Any employment earnings
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Any savings, investments or bonds you have
Once you have answered these questions, a screen will show you your answers, allowing you to go back and change any answers before you submit them. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could get each week.
Simply follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support.
There is also an option to print the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form faster without having to search for the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or a family member to make sure you’re getting all the financial support you’re entitled to claim.
Who can’t use the Pension Credit calculator?
You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner:
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deferring your State Pension
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owning more than one property
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are self-employed
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have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) that are not mortgage repayments or rent covered by Housing Benefit
How to make a claim
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age. You can claim at any time after you reach state pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of pension credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. If you are backdating your claim, you will need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want to start your claim.
You will need to:
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your National Insurance number
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information about your income, savings and investments
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your bank account details, if you are applying by phone or post
Apply online
You can use the online service if:
To check your entitlement, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
