People born before this date to receive automatic £300 payment
This winter, the most financially vulnerable pensioners are set to receive up to £300 through the Winter Fuel Payment. Those on Pension Credit and other specific benefits will be the recipients of this support.
However, in a departure from previous years, not all pensioners will benefit as before. The payment is scheduled to land in the bank accounts of those eligible during the period from November up until Christmas.
Specifically aimed to assist the neediest pensioners those born on or before September 22, 1958 the initiative serves to alleviate the burden of heating costs throughout the winter months. Nonetheless, the Labour Government's decision to cut payments for millions has provoked considerable outrage.
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As a result, elder individuals who are not current recipients of Pension Credit are being encouraged to apply for it, since eligibility for this credit is crucial for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment. Notably, an estimated 900,000 people fail to claim their entitled Pension Credit, which consequently means they'll also miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment, reports Birmingham Live.
Detailing the scheme, Age UK stated: "The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months. The Government announced in July 2024 that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have reached state pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit."
"Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before September 22, 1958 (for 2024-25) and, from 2024 onwards, receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 2024-25."
"If you are over state pension age and receive a qualifying benefit, you could get £200 towards your bills. If you are over 80, you could get £300 to help with your bills in winter this year. Payments are made to the person claiming the benefit and are for the household."
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