The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 12.7 million people over State Pension age will be informed about the new Winter Fuel Payment eligibility rules by the end of November. Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds MP highlighted the importance of applying for Pension Credit before December 21, 2024, to ensure eligible claimants can receive a backdated payment.
In a written reply to Independent MP Richard Burgon on Monday, the DWP Minister stated that starting this month, “pensioners in England and Wales will receive a letter informing them of the change in eligibility to the Winter Fuel Payment and encouraging them to check their eligibility for Pension Credit”. Ms Reynolds also noted that “similar letters” will be dispatched to pensioners in Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout November.
Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s announcement in July, approximately 10 million pensioners, including 850,000 in Scotland, will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment ranging from £100 to £300 this year. The annual support for heating bills is now only available to those over 66 who are receiving a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (with an annual award of at least £26), or Universal Credit (for mixed age couples), reports the Daily Record.
The DWP Minister highlighted: “In November we will also be writing to approximately 120,000 pensioners who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and who may also be eligible for, but not currently claiming, Pension Credit. We will be inviting these pensioners to claim Pension Credit by the 21st of December, which is the latest date for making a successful backdated Pension Credit claim and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.”
Alternatively, one can get in touch with the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 for direct claims; the service operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Here’s a basic overview of Pension Credit, covering who should verify their eligibility, how to proceed, and potential benefits:.
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit comes in two forms: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be of State Pension age (currently 66). Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government deems necessary for living.
This minimum is set at £218.15 for single individuals and £332.95 for couples. These amounts may be higher if you’re disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.
Savings Credit is only available under specific conditions:
- you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it
- you have qualifying income of at least £189.80 a week for a single person and £301.22 a week for a couple
How much could you potentially receive?
Guarantee Credit supplements your weekly income to a certain level. You might be eligible for more if you’re disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.
Savings Credit can provide up to a certain amount. The exact amount you’ll receive depends on your income and savings. Any income from savings and capital over £10,000 is taken into account.
Checking eligibility
You can make use of the calculator on GOV. UK, you’ll need details of:
- earnings, benefits and pensions
- savings and investments
You’ll require the same information for your partner if you have one. You will be presented with a series of questions with multiple-choice answer options.
This includes:
- Your date of birth
- Your residential status
- Where in the UK you live
- Whether you are registered blind
- Which benefits you currently receive
- How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
- Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
- How much you get each week from pensions – State Pension, private and work pensions
- Any employment earnings
- Any savings, investments or bonds you have
Once you’ve answered these questions, a summary screen displays your responses, allowing you to go back and alter any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could receive each week.
All you have to do next is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There’s also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim.
Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator?
You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner:
- are deferring your State Pension
- own more than one property
- are self-employed
- have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit
How to make a claim
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.