Pensioners who receive up to £300 from the Winter Fuel Payment may be required to repay it, experts have claimed The introduction of means testing for energy bill assistance has sparked outrage as approximately 10 million pensioners stand to lose a benefit that has previously helped them through the colder months.
In the future, this payment, which can be worth up to £300, will primarily be limited to a relatively small group whose incomes are low enough to qualify for Pension Credit. However, it has been revealed that some individuals who have historically qualified for Pension Credit – and the Winter Fuel Payment – may now exceed the qualifying income, which is just £218.15 per week for a single person and £332.95 for a couple.
Experts warn that many people may not realise that if their financial situation changes and pushes them above these income levels, they may be obliged to repay any benefits they have received. Individuals could face charges if they fail to report changes in circumstances – such as a change of address or not claiming qualifying benefits – by providing incorrect details during the application process or by not declaring overpayments.
Pensioners are being urged to promptly inform the DWP of any changes that could affect their eligibility, to avoid potential financial loss. Under the new criteria, those who do not qualify for means-tested support or who have a low income will not be eligible. Consequently, any funds awarded in error will need to be repaid.
Caroline Abrahams, Director of Age UK, is pressing the government to widen access to Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment. She believes the Labour party, if it backs new policies, should extend these payments to more elderly citizens beyond the few who currently qualify.
Abrahams proposes automatically giving the winter fuel payment to pensioners already on benefits like housing aid, council tax support, and allowances for personal independence, attendance, and caring. However, she cautioned that even with such expansions, a large number of needy pensioners might still be left without crucial assistance.
She said: “If [Labour] is dead set on pressing ahead, the very least they should do is to greatly expand the numbers of pensioners who will receive a winter fuel payment beyond the small group they have so far said will retain it.
“Even this would not be enough though because many pensioners on low incomes or in vulnerable circumstances would still miss out on a winter fuel payment when they can ill afford to do so.”
For individuals who want to ensure they don’t need to pay back winter fuel benefits, changes in circumstances can be reported by ringing up the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160.