The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to hundreds of thousands of pensioners to urge them to apply for Pension Credit as they lose their Winter Fuel Payment – including people who have died.
This year Winter Fuel Payment, worth £200 or £300, will only go out to people of state pension age on certain benefits, whereas before it was a universal benefit for most people of state pension age. Journalist Frances Coppola said she had received a letter for her deceased partner about the changes to the eligibility for the payment, even though she had told the DWP about his death, as reported by the Telegraph.
When Ms Coppola complained, she was told the department was sending out letters to anyone who had ever claimed the Winter Fuel Payment. Tom Selby, director of public policy at investment firm AJ Bell, warned this “blanket approach” risked causing “extra admin stress” for grieving families.
A DWP spokesman said: “We are looking into what happened in this case and apologise for any distress caused. Over one million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, and our drive to boost pension credit take up has already seen a 152pc increase in claims.
“Many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the household support fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills. We are committed to ensuring pensioners are aware of the changes to the winter fuel payment and are issuing letters to around 13.5 million pensioners. In this case, the letter was likely in post whilst the recipient passed away. We apologise for any distress caused.”
People eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment should get a letter in October or November telling them how much they will get.
To be eligible for the payment this winter, you have to be born before September 23, 1958. You also need to live in England or Wales and get one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit.
You also need to have been receiving one of these qualifying benefits during the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth £200 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958 and worth £300 if you were born before September 23, 1944.
Pension Credit claims can be backdated up to three months, so if you get your application in now, you may qualify for the payment. It’s worth checking if you qualify for Pension Credit as the average claim provides a £4,000 a year boost to a person’s income.
The benefit provides a weekly income top-up, up to £218.15 for single claimants and up to £332.95 if you have a partner. Extra payments are available depending on your situation, such as if you care for another adult. You have to be of state pension age to claim the benefit but you do not have to be claiming your state pension.