The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched yet another appeal, urging many older people to check if they can get additional support this winter. In a move that caused quite a stir, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has revamped the rules around the Winter Fuel Payment.
It is now only only available to those on means-tested benefits, in stark contrast to previous years when all pensioners were granted a heating cost subsidy. This year’s lump sum – worth £200 or £300 – will now only be given to those who qualify.
People will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if they receive Pension Credit, a benefit which has long been significantly underclaimed. The DWP has been ramping up efforts to inform eligible parties, including a new video on their official Instagram page on Monday, with more and more people urged to apply for Pension Credit.
Those seeking the Winter Fuel Payment will need to apply for the benefit by December 21. As well as this extra cash, Pension Credit tops up low incomes, and claimants can also enjoy extra benefits.
These include a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over, Housing Benefit if you rent your home, support for mortgage interest if you own your home, council tax discounts, help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house.
Pension Credit comes with several components, and if you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and you saved some money for retirement – such as a personal or workplace pension – you could get the “Savings Credit” part.
This can equate to £17.01 per week, or £204.12 for the twelve weeks of winter. If you have a partner, this may be up to £19.04 a week, or £228.48 over the twelve-week period, and you might still get some Savings Credit even if you do not get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, according to Gov.uk advice.
Those with a severe disability could receive an extra £81.50 per week, and those caring for another adult could receive an extra £46.50 a week. If you’re responsible for a child or young person, you could also get an extra £66.29 per week.
To find out more about Pension Credit, and to apply, click here