As you may have heard, the Government has announced that the Winter Fuel Payments, which were previously paid to everyone who had reached pension age, will in future only be paid to people who are receipt of Pension Credit, or certain other benefits.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment made to help older people with their heating costs. In 2023-24, most people who were born before September 25, 1957 and who lived in the UK were eligible to receive it.
In 2024-25, the Winter Fuel Payment will be £200 or £300, depending on the age of the recipient and who they are living with, and it will be available to people who were born before September 23, 1958.
However, the big change is that you will only be eligible for a payment if you are receiving one of the following benefits: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance or income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
With the exception of Pension Credit, people of pension age only receive these benefits if they are living with someone of working age, so for most pensioners, this means they will only receive a Winter Fuel Payment if they receive Pension Credit.
This means it is more important than ever to check whether you are eligible for Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is a benefit for people who are over state pension age and who have a low income. It tops up their income to a minimum level and there are additional payments for people who are carers or who receive certain disability benefits. It is not paid automatically and has to be claimed.
Unfortunately, the criteria that determine how much Pension Credit you might receive are complex.
But fortunately, the application process is reasonably straightforward. You can apply by going online at gov.uk, or by calling the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.
Or you can get a relative or friend to call for you. You will need details of your income, including earnings, pensions and benefits, and of any savings and investments.
It is worth applying for Pension Credit, even if you think you will only get a small award, because qualifying for Pension Credit means that you are also eligible for a range of other benefits, not just the Winter Fuel Allowance.
These could include free TV licences if you are over 75, a reduction in your council tax bill, housing benefit and cold weather payments.
Only around two in three people who are eligible for Pension Credit currently claim it, so across the UK as many as three-quarters of a million are missing out.
If you think you might be one of them, the changes to Winter Fuel Payments makes now the time to find out.
If you need further help tailored to your particular situation, Citizens Advice can offer you independent and confidential support.
In St Albans, we can be reached on 01727 811118 from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Friday.
Or you can call the Herts Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 between 10am and 9pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 8pm on Thursday and Friday and 10am and 4pm on Saturday.
If you would prefer a face-to-face appointment, you can find us in the Civic Centre on weekday mornings from 10am to 1pm.
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