Until this year, Winter Fuel payments worth up to £300 have been made available to everyone above state pension age, but in July, this universal benefit was ended by the government.
Starting this winter, the Winter Fuel payment is restricted to those on benefits and Pension Credit. The take up of Pension Credit is notoriously poor, with estimates from the Department for Work and Pensions showing around 800,000 eligible households in England and Wales set to lose their winter fuel allowance because they are not claiming the credit to which they are entitled.
Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs for those over state pension age and on a low income. When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single and your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner. If your income is higher, you might still be eligible if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings, or you have housing costs.
You may be due Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. It is also separate from the state pension.
Claiming Pension Credit doesn’t just top up income – it could also help you to receive other benefits you are entitled to, including support with health and housing costs.
With the removal of the universal Winter Fuel allowance, it has never been more important to check eligibility for Pension Credit.
If you may be eligible, or know someone else who may be, please check by calling 0800 99 1234 or reading the information here.
There will, of course, be people just above the cut off line and for them it’s likely to be a tough winter, with not only the loss of the Winter Fuel payment, but also October’s rise of around 10% in the energy price cap adding a substantial amount to gas and electricity bills.
If you have any comments/questions, please get in touch at: Cllr.Catherine.Sayer@tandridge.gov.uk.
