Martin Lewis shares loophole that could get pensioners hundreds of pounds this winter

Ben Hurst & Alex Evans & Paul McAuley
·2-min read
Martin Lewis said there is hope for some pensioners over pensions credit normal threshold to get the winter fuel payment
-Credit: (Image: ITV)


Martin Lewis has revealed a loophole that could get state pensioners hundreds of pounds this winter. The automatic £200 to £300 Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by means-testing by Labour.

As a result, millions across the UK will be left without the benefit in the colder months. However, Money Saving Expert founder, Lewis reminded ITV viewers of a detail that could help people still claim Pension Credit and secure the up to £300 payment, as reported by Lancs Live.

Appearing on This Morning, alongside host Susanna Reid, the 52-year-old dad said some state pensioners were able to get the payment even if their income tops the standard weekly threshold of around £218.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis's October energy price cap tip saved man £180

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Lewis also took to X to alert his followers to this lesser-known point of eligibility. He said: "Don't assume you aren't due winter fuel help. There's a host of reasons you may still qualify for Pension Credit even if you're over the threshold."

Martin then directed people to his Money Saving Expert website for information on how to access Pension Credit under these circumstances. The advice states: "You can qualify with higher income if you have a disability or illness."

An example is those who get Attendance Allowance (AA) - a crucial payment for older individuals requiring assistance with everyday tasks. If you receive AA, your Pension Credit qualifying income cap increases by £82 per week (in addition to AA, which doesn't count as income).

One success story shared by Martin includes a lady whose father gained nearly £8,000 extra annually from the DWP by using this method. She expressed her gratitude with relief: "I've successfully claimed for my dad who has chronic arthritis - so he now gets an extra £72/wk. He has struggled for years, he'd not been able to claim Pension Credit previously as he has a small private pension.

READ MORE: Exact date Merseyside temperatures could plummet to 0 degrees

"Now he has AA, he's also eligible for a further £35/wk Pension Credit, and his Housing Benefit has been increased by £40/wk. So a total extra £150/wk - a huge help, and he will still be eligible for Winter Fuel Allowance, so will receive annually almost £8,000 extra. It will change his life and I'm really grateful to you."

Moreover, possessing savings won't necessarily bar you from Pension Credit eligibility. Any savings below £10,000 are disregarded, and beyond that threshold, Pension Credit is 'tapered' off, considering every £500 above £10,000 as £1 weekly income.

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