Nearly a million individuals are failing to claim Pension Credit, a benefit they’re entitled to which could grant them access to the newly restricted Winter Fuel Payments.
The alteration to Winter Fuel Payments has wreaked havoc for millions of households who depend on the additional £200 or £300 each winter to keep their homes warm.
Now, this seasonal government aid will only be accessible to those claiming certain benefits, most notably Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is designed to boost the low income of retirees but has infamously been under-claimed by many who qualify. So much so that Martin Lewis began collaborating with the government two years ago to raise awareness.
He labelled the situation a “national tragedy” that so many were missing out on a benefit they were entitled to, worth over £3,300 per annum. Speaking on Good Morning Britain in 2022, the Money-Saving Expert advised: “Here is my rule of thumb; if you were of state pension age, 66 or over now, and you have total income under £200 then I would absolutely get in touch with the Pension Credit system.”
He also clarified that it’s a “gateway benefit”, meaning that being awarded the main element often automatically qualifies recipients for “a host of other things”, which now includes Winter Fuel Payments. On the finance guru’s website, it states that you need to meet a range of criteria to truly qualify for Pension Credit:
Reside in the UK
Have reached state pension age
Have a weekly income below £218.15 if you’re single, or £332.95 if you’re part of a couple
For those watching their wallets, the Government’s Pension Credit could be a financial lifesaver, with MSE highlighting it as the “quickest way” to find out if you’re eligible through the free Pension Credit calculator online.
Or you can dial up the Pension Service helpline at 0800 99 1234 in England, Scotland, and Wales, or give the Pension Centre in Northern Ireland a shout on 0808 100 6165.
In a rare eligibility shift, you don’t have to be married or in a civil partnership to count as a couple under the Pension Credit rules. Simply cohabiting is enough.
The main element of Pension Credit can help top-up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re flying solo or £332.95 for couples
The savings element, which has additional eligibility criteria, can add up to £17.01 per week if you’re single or £19.04 for couples, provided your earnings are over £189.80 or £301.22 respectively.
