Thousands of pensioners could still get £300 DWP Winter Fuel Payment but must take action

Simon Coyle

10 September 2024 at 1:56 am·2-min read

Pound notes — -Credit: (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

The government will vote on whether to limit the number of pensioners who can claim the winter fuel payment - with millions of households potentially set to lose the annual sum.

The payment, made by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), was previously available to everyone above state pension age and worth up to £300 per year.

However under a Labour proposal, which will be voted on by MPs, the government is looking to means testing for the payment.

It is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the payment by 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million. Pensioners who receive Pension Credit will still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment - and hundreds of thousands of UK households who do not claim for the benefit are eligible.

To claim for Pension Credit, and the WInter Fuel Payment, households need to apply by December 21 - the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit.

Receiving Pension Credit also opens the door to more financial support worth thousands of pounds a year. People can claim Pension Credit if they are of State Pension age and on a low income. They must live in England, Scotland or Wales to qualify.

Pension Credit is separate from State Pension, and savings, a private pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving it.

The DWP said it has already received 38,500 pension credit claims in the last five weeks.

A government spokesperson said: “Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it’s right that we target support to those who need it most.

“Over a million pensioners will continue to receive the winter fuel payment, while many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount from October to help with their energy bills over winter.

“We are seeing increased demand in pension credit claims and continue to urge pensioners to check their eligibility to make sure as many people in need can access this support”.

You can claim Pension Credit by applying online here or by phone 0800 99 1234.

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