Money Matters: Changes to Winter Fuel Payments
In this week’s Money Matters column, Wrekin’s debt and energy manager Dan Bebbington explains the changes being made to the winter fuel payment and what to do if you are affected.
The Government has announced changes to the winter fuel payments scheme, which will see some pensioners lose out on up to £300 towards heating their homes during cold weather.
From this winter, the payments will only be made to households receiving pension credit or a number of other means-tested benefits such as universal credit, income support, jobseekers’ allowance or employment and support allowance.
If you are 66, or turn 66 on or before September 22nd this year, you will be eligible for a payment as long as you are claiming one of the above benefits in the week of September 16th to 22nd. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.
The amount you get also depends on your age, and the age of anyone you live with. If you are aged 66 to 79 you’ll get £200, unless you live with a partner who is over 80. If you and/or your partner are over 80, it’s £300.
The people most likely to be impacted by the rule change are those who don’t claim pension credit or another benefit but could be entitled to it, as well as those who are just over the threshold for benefits but may still be struggling with the cost of living.
It’s therefore worth checking your entitlement for pension credit. The DWP estimates that as many as 800,000 eligible people are currently missing out.
Whether you’re eligible depends on a number of factors, including your age, whether you have a partner, your weekly income and whether you have any savings.
The benefit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 if you're single and £332.95 if you're a couple. The DWP says it’s worth over £3,900 a year on average.
If your income is already over this amount (for example if you are still working or have a private pension) there is still no harm in checking your eligibility. That’s because the threshold can be higher in certain circumstances, including if you claim disability benefits or have caring responsibilities.
Even if you would only be entitled to a small amount, it’s worth putting in a claim to unlock the winter fuel payment and other support, such as help with housing costs and council tax. It also entitles you to the warm home discount, which gives you a further £150 off your energy bills.
To check your eligibility, go to www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call the pension credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
There are a number of charities than can offer support, including Citizens Advice and Age UK. Wrekin Housing Group customers can also contact our Money Matters team.
6th August 2024