What changes have been made to the winter fuel payment?
As you may already know, the government recently announced that the winter fuel payment – which was previously available to all pensioners – will now only be paid to those who receive Pension Credit.
It is estimated that 880,000 eligible pensioners do not claim their Pension Credit, and therefore, are likely to miss out on a winter fuel payment they should be receiving.
How do I know if I'm eligble for Pension Credit?
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit. You can use the government’s State Pension age checker to confirm whether you’ve reached the State Pension age.
Pension Credit seeks to lessen the burden of our cost of living for pensioners on a low income. Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or to a joint £332.95 if you have a partner. Therefore, you’ll be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below the corresponding threshold.
It is important to note that, if you have over £10,000 in savings, the government starts calculating this as weekly income. Every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 towards your weekly income.
What does and does not count as income can get quite complicated, so we advise everyone to use the government’s online Pension Credit calculator to check their eligibility. If you have trouble using this calculator, you could ring Age UK Oxfordshire’s Information and Advice helpline on 03454 501276 (open 8am – 7pm daily including weekends and bank holidays) for benefits and entitlements help.
How much can I get from Pension Credit?
As previously mentioned, Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or to a joint £332.95 if you have a partner.
Those with a severe disability and those caring for someone else are also likely to receive further assistance through Pension Credit (for more information see Pension Credit – what you’ll get – gov.uk).
Receiving Pension Credit will also make you eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment, which will be worth either £200 or £300 depending on your age.
You may also be eligible for a reduction in council tax, help with NHS costs, or for those over the age of 75, a free TV licence. However, unlike the winter fuel payment, these entitlements are not automatic and will need separate applications. For help to do this, you could either talk to your designated Dementia Adviser, or you could call the previously mentioned Age UK Oxfordshire helpline on 03454 501276.
