New rules cut Winter Fuel Payments for many pensioners, with Pension Credit promoted as a replacement, but some will still miss out.
Update on Calls to Extend Winter Fuel Payments to All Over State Pension Age
By Lydia Amazouz
Published on 17 September 2024 15:22
Over 517,000 individuals have signed an online petition initiated by Age UK that calls on the British Government to review their decision to mean-test Winter Fuel Payments.
The campaign started right after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the changes at the end of July, with the policy adjustment taking effect on September 16, reports Daily Record.
Millions of Pensioners at Risk as Winter Fuel Payments Eligibility Rules Change
The eligibility rule change date was set to coincide with the beginning of the qualifying week for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, September 16 to 22. Despite the Parliament's strong opposition last week, Labour’s plans passed. This implies that around 10 million pensioners; including 850,000 in Scotland, will miss out on energy bill assistance worth up to £300, unless they qualify for an income-related benefit like Pension Credit.
Age UK’s petition warns the eligibility rule change will affect millions of pensioners who rely on the additional financial assistance to cope with the growing heating costs during the winter months.
The charity stated: “We strongly oppose the means-testing of the Winter Fuel Payment because it means as many as 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it and will be in serious trouble as a result.
“Means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment, with no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy choice, and one that will potentially jeopardise the health as well as the finances of millions of older people this winter — the last thing either they or the NHS needs.”
Winter Fuel Payment Cutbacks Spark Push for Pension Credit
It's worth noting that the rule change will impact pensioners all over Scottland, England, and Wales Northern Ireland and even those who live abroad.
It also implies that the introduction of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which will replace Winter Fuel Payment for Scottish pensioners, has been delayed until winter 2025/26.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a new campaign that aims to boost the adoption of Pension Credit, which represents an entry-level benefit for Pension Credit and extra help with Council Tax and housing costs.
They are also collaborating with local authorities all over Great Britain in order to connect Housing Benefit with Pension Credit. Claimants who can potentially qualify for Pension Credit will be invited to submit their applications for the benefit.
Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves insist on the importance of the decision, which according to them will help address a £22 billion ‘black hole’ the Conservatives left behind. Nearly 71% of disabled pensioners and 83% of those aged 80 or over are now set to lose the payment. People will only get the money if they meet the qualifying criteria.