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Potential Financial Support for those of Pension Age this Winter.

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08 December 2024

The content below was first published here on September 25th. The need for those on low incomes of pensionable age to explore what welfare support they are entitled to remains as important now and it was then; especially with fuel prices set to rise in January. If you are a pensioner, or know of pensioners on low incomes who would benefit from financial support, please read the content below and pass it on to whomever you believe will benefit. There is no time to lose. Thank you.

On July 29th the Government announced that the Winter Fuel Payment- of £200 for those aged 65-79, and £300 for those aged 80 or over- will be restricted to those people in receipt of means-tested benefits.

The BBC estimated that converting this universal benefit to a means-tested benefit will result in 10 million people losing their entitlement. The Government countered that those already on low incomes and in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, will still automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment.

The Winter Fuel Payment is an automatic payment for those of pension age, living in England or Wales, in receipt of certain benefits in the week of September 16th-September 22nd. Those benefits are as follows:

  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • income-related
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit.

Following the Government’s announcement, much energy was devoted to the fact that those in receipt of Pension Credit would still automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment. However, others noted that take up of this benefit sits at approximately 61% of those probably entitled to it; meaning about 800,000 older people may be missing out nationally.

There have since been efforts from the DWP and others to promote the take-up of Pension Credit by those entitled but not claiming, supported by public, private and third sector organisations across the country.

Below, we will highlight the main features of Pension Credit, particularly the application process, but also provide information on other potential sources of financial help for those of pension age.

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Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is a means-tested welfare benefit for those of pension age; the current State Retirement Pension age is 66. Entitlement largely depends on income not being higher than what the government has calculated is necessary to live on. 

What is included and disregarded as ‘income’ can be complicated so research is preferable before applying. Similarly, though there is no formal ceiling on how much you can have in savings, and still be entitled, there are rules around savings which might affect your application.

Applications can be made on the telephone, by post, or online.

Telephone applications can be made by calling the Pension Credit Claim Line on 0800 99 1234. A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.

To apply through an online application go to https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim .

To apply by post either call the Claim Line number referenced above, and ask for a paper application form to be sent, or print out and complete the claim form available from the website referenced above.

Send the claim form to the Pension Service, or ask someone to do it for you, at Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3. Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp.

To get help making a claim call the countywide Advice Helpline run by Citizens Advice on 0808 250 5715, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

For more information on Pension Credit, and to know what evidence you will be expected to provide, https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/pension-credit/ .

Be sure to apply as soon as you can but also make sure you have checked your eligibility and what evidence will be needed first.

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Other Potential Sources of Financial Assistance.

Neither Winter Fuel Payments, nor Pension Credit, are the only potential sources of financial assistance open to those of pension age. Other potential sources of help include:

1. Attendance Allowance - a welfare benefit for older people with disabilities or long term health conditions. Contrary to popular belief Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. More details on Attendance Allowance can be found at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/ attendance-allowance/ .

2. Carers Allowance - for those looking after a disabled person for at least 35 hours per week. More details on Carers Allowance can be found at Re-edited article on PC take-up deadline. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/ carers-allowance/ .

3. Council Tax Support - for those on low incomes to help with Council Tax liabilities. Contact your local council for more on this.

For those in emergency food or fuel need Warwickshire pensioners can apply to the County Council’s Local Welfare Scheme, or access food and/or fuel vouchers from other sources.

For pensioners who are not affected directly by the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment, but are still concerned about their household finances, there is information available on where to get free, independent money and budgeting advice.

For the digitally confident, the government website Moneyhelper is an excellent source of independent budgeting advice. It can be found at https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en .

For those who prefer to hear a human voice, call your local Citizens Advice on 0808 250 5715 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

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Other Potential Sources of Independent Advice.

Citizens Advice is a credible source of free independent impartial advice on Pension Credit and other issues, but it is not the only credible source.

Age UK provides a free Advice Line on 0800 678 1602 (available between 8am-7pm 7 days a week). For more information go to https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/pensi on-credit/ .

Similarly, Independent Age provides a free Helpline on 0800 319 6789 (open Monday-Friday 8.30-5.30pm). For more information go to https://www.independentage.org/pension-credit .

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Finally, if you are concerned about the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment, but don’t want to get more involved in the welfare benefits system, you should contact your own energy supplier in the first instance.

We have heard of at least one energy supplier who is making funds available for customers who are pensioners who are losing their Winter Fuel Payment but who are not in receipt of Pension Credit.

Give your energy supplier a call, explain your situation, and see if they can help. Don’t let the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment get you down. Take action and enjoy a warm winter this time around.

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