It was recently announced by the Government that there will be changes to the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.
Previously everyone on a State Pension was eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 per year, but the Government now has plans to means-test this and only pensioners on Pension Credit will be eligible to receive this payment.
Around one third of pensioners qualify for Pension Credit but have not claimed it, meaning there are up to 880,000 households who are not receiving this additional income they are entitled to.
If you receive a State Pension and your total income is less than £218 a week as an individual, or £332 a week as a couple, you could be eligible.
If you claim certain disability benefits or are a carer, you may still be eligible even if your income is higher than those figures, so it is worth checking.
Pension Credit can help you to receive other benefits, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, Council Tax and rent support, and help with the cost of NHS services like dental treatment.
About Pension Credit
You can get Pension Credit even if you:
- Have not paid National Insurance contributions.
- Have some savings or a small pension.
- Live with your grown-up family.
- Own your own home.
Check online to see if you would be entitled, or call 0800 99 1234.
For more information on Pension Credit, visit the Government website.
Pension Credit can be backdated for up to 3 months. This means that to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for this year, the deadline for applying is 21 December 2024, so be sure to apply as soon as you can.
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