Hundreds of thousands of state pensioners risk losing their Winter Fuel Payment this year if they fail to apply for Pension Credit by a crucial deadline.
Pensioners on low incomes are being urged to act now to claim the benefit, which could unlock financial support worth up to £4,200 annually. This includes payments such as the £200-£300 Winter Fuel Payment and free TV licences for eligible households.
The Government revealed that while a recent awareness campaign has encouraged 150,000 pensioners to sign up since July, as many as 700,000 eligible retirees could still be missing out.
Labour’s decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments this year ties eligibility to Pension Credit, as well as other benefits like Universal Credit.
Ministers are now urging pensioners to check if they qualify for the benefit to avoid losing out on much-needed support this winter.
To receive the Winter Fuel Payment, pensioners must apply for Pension Credit by December 21.
Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds said: “We know 90% of new customers apply using our simple online form or over the phone. So I would urge everyone to check for their own eligibility or assist family members to apply online or pick up the phone today.
“The online process takes on average 16 minutes so I would encourage people to apply for Pension Credit, worth around £4,200 a year.”
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said its study found one in 10 OAPs told they qualify are yet to apply, reports the Sun.
She warned they will be “missing out on a regular tax-free payment through Pension Credit as well as help with other costs, such as Council Tax and rent”.
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
To claim, a person must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached the state pension age (currently 66 and over). They or their partner must also be receiving housing benefits.
If this applies, the person must then work out their total weekly income. This should include the state pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment, and most social security benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance.
Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are not counted and shouldn’t be included in the calculation:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Christmas Bonus
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Social fund payments, such as the Winter Fuel Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction.
People are most likely to be eligible if their total weekly income is roughly under £220.
However, if their income is higher, they might still be eligible so it’s worth checking the Government Pension Credit calculator just in case.
To apply for the benefit, people can reach the helpline by telephone on 0800 99 1234 or by textphone on 0800 169 0133. They can also apply online here.
