Martin Lewis has issued a vital alert to over 700,000 low-income pensioners who risk missing out on this year’s Winter Fuel Payment of either £200 or £300 if a key deadline is overlooked in the forthcoming weeks. On the season’s closing episode of ‘The Martin Lewis Money Show Live’ for 2024, the money-saving expert emphasized the importance of ensuring elder individuals check their entitlement to Pension Credit.
Martin highlighted that applications for the extra £4,200 income booster must be filed by December 21 to guarantee a backdated Winter Fuel Payment. Furthermore, he informed ITV viewers that Pension Credit serves as an access point to additional financial aid opportunities, including Council Tax reductions and housing cost support, the Daily Record reports.
Martin declared: “This is an urgent warning about the Winter fuel payment deadline. For the first time this winter, payments for pensioners are means-tested and the payment is worth £200, or £300 if you’re older. To get Winter Fuel Payment you now need to claim and get Pension Credit.”
He added: “The last date to apply is a little less than two weeks away (December 21), but you must’ve been eligible three months ago because this is effectively a backdated claim.”
He also noted that while claims after December 21 will still qualify recipients for future Winter Fuel Payments, the impending deadline applies exclusively to the 2024/25 payment. In addition, Martin outlined who is “likely to get” Pension Credit:
- Single with total weekly income of under £200 – likely to get it, so apply
- Single with total weekly income of under £235 – may get it, so apply
- Couple (both of State Pension age) with total weekly income under £333 – likely to get it, so apply
- Couple (both of State Pension age) with total weekly income under £350 – may get it, so apply
Finance expert Martin Lewis has shared crucial insights into what counts as income during Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assessments, which includes money from various sources:
- Any income
- State Pension
- Any other pension
- Benefits – disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance are not counted towards income
He clarified that personal savings under £10,000 don’t impact applications, but every £500 above this threshold is considered as £1 of income. Addressing the complexities of Pension Credit eligibility and encouraging action, Martin quoted the memorable line from former pensions minister Guy Opperman: “don’t stall, just call” the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 to check qualification criteria.
Additionally, Martin expressed concern over the large number of low-income pensioners who are missing out on Winter Fuel Payments, stating: “I’ve been on about this before but that still leaves approximately 700,000 eligible poorer pensioners with averaging income under £11,400 who the Government thinks should get Winter Fuel Payment, but won’t, which is why I think it is a bad way to means-test as this is a critically under-claimed benefit.”
He highlighted that even a minimal award can unlock additional support.