Pension credit claims rise 145% after Labor means-tested Winter Fuel Payment – here’s how to apply

Around 150,000 claims for pension credits have been lodged in just 16 weeks since Rachel Reeves announced that winter fuel payments will be means-tested.

The number of applications increased by 145 percent after the declaration, compared to 61,300 applications made in the 16 weeks before the announcement, official data shows.

Tom Selby, public policy director at AJ Bell, said: ‘Rachel Reeves’ decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment has caused a furore among pensioners and campaigners over the benefit, worth up to £300 , now only available to low-income people. pensioners who have the right to top-up pension credits.

“The decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment means it is even more important for those who might qualify for the pension credit to make a claim.”

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, of the 161,800 pension credit applications settled since April this year, only 81,000 were granted and a similar number were rejected.

Some 53,000 people are currently waiting for the result of their application.

“Because the pension credit application process requires you to fill out a relatively comprehensive form that you wouldn’t bother with unless you really need the money, these statistics also reflect the deep concern many older people feel about losing their fuel. for the winter. Payment,” said Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.

Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper called the latest figures a “damning indictment of the Government’s failure to protect pensioners this winter”.

The Liberal Democrats called on the Government to “recognize its mistake, remove this unfair cut and prevent older people from being forced to choose between heat and food this winter.”

The increase in applications following the Chancellor’s decision is due to the fact that many fear having to stretch their pockets to pay for heating costs this winter. With a large number of eligible retirees unable to claim pension credit, this could be a way to help them get through the colder months.

Rosie Hooper, chartered financial planner at Quilter Cheviot, said: “There is less than a month to go until the last date to submit a retrospective pension credit claim to receive the winter fuel payment, so it is vitally important that pensioners low-income families to verify their eligibility. .

To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, retirees must apply for the pension credit by December 21.

The pension credit provides a weekly income of at least £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples.

The Winter Fuel Payment offers between £100 and £300 per year on top of this to help cover the costs of heating your home.

In the past, the pension credit has not been claimed each year by a third of those eligible.

According to the Government, some 880,000 households could miss out on more than £3,900 a year in pension credit payments.

Those who receive pension credit are eligible to receive winter fuel payments.

Stephen Lowe, of Just Group, said: ‘They may not apply for a number of reasons – they may simply be unaware of the benefit, assume they are not eligible or don’t know how to apply.

“Our own research among people over 65 found that almost two in five homeowners and one in seven renters had never checked their entitlement to benefits.”

How to apply for pension credit and get help with claims

If you are an older person and not well off, pension credit tops up your weekly earnings up to a minimum of £218.15 for singles and £332.95 for couples.

On average, it’s worth around £4,000 a year on its own, but pension credit also opens the door to lots of extra help with household bills.

You can earn thousands of pounds on top, including help with housing costs, heating, council tax and a TV license if you are over 75, and other bills.

Learn more about pension credit here and about him rules about who is eligible here.

You can apply by phone at 0800 99 1234say online pension credit either Get a form to do it by mail.

A friend or family member can apply on behalf of an older person.

In Scotland, a new winter heating payment for retirement age will eventually replace the winter fuel payment.

But for this winter, eligible people over state pension age will receive a payment in line with the Winter Fuel Payment, and this will be means-tested.

Check here if you live in Scotland and here for Northern Ireland.

Age UK staff provide help with applications. Any senior who is struggling with bills, or friends and family who are worried about them, can call 0800 169 6565.

This line is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or you can visit Age UK help page here.

It also has a free and anonymous profit calculator which can provide an estimate of what you might be entitled to if you wish to know this information privately.

Age UK points out that the Household support fund has been expanded to help struggling households with bills and essential costs during the winter.

The money should be reserved specifically for older people, so they should contact their local council to see if they are entitled to any support.

Independent Age, a charity focused on improving the lives of older people in financial difficulty, offers help on its freephone line 0800 319 6789.

The charity’s advisers carry out welfare checks to ensure callers have access to all available support, including pension credit and winter fuel payment.

What does the Government say?

“We are committed to supporting pensioners – millions of people will see their state pensions increase by up to £1,900 in this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock,” says a Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson.

‘More than a million pensioners will continue to receive their winter fuel payment, and our drive to boost the uptake of pension credits has already seen a 152 per cent increase in applications.

“Many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount and cold weather payments this winter, while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”