Some pensioners who receive up to £300 from the Winter Fuel Payment may have to pay it back, experts have claimed. The introduction of means testing for the help with energy bills has triggered fury because as many as 10 million pensions will lose a benefit that has helped them through the cold winter months.
In future the payment, which is worth up to £300, will largely be restricted to a relatively small group whose incomes are so low that they qualify for Pension Credit.
However, it has emerged that some people who have historically qualified for Pension Credit – and the Winter Fuel Payment – may now have tipped over the qualifying income which is just £218.15 a week for a single person and £332.95 for a couple.
Experts say many people are unaware that if they have seen a change in their finances which pushes them above these income levels, they may well be required to pay back benefits they have received.
People could be charged if they fail to report changes in circumstances – such as a change of address or not claiming qualifying benefits – by providing incorrect details during the application process or by not declaring overpayments.
Pensioners are urged to quickly notify the DWP of any changes which may affect their eligibility, to avoid being left out of pocket.
Under the new criteria, those who do not qualify for means-tested support or who have a low income will not be eligible. As a result, any funds awarded by mistake will need to be repaid.
Director of Age UK Caroline Abrahams has urged the government to broaden the qualifying criteria for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.
She argued if Labour is committed to the new measures, the government should extend the payment to a larger number of pensioners beyond the limited group currently considered.
Ms Abrahams suggested one way to expand eligibility would be to automatically grant the winter fuel payment to pensioners receiving other benefits, such as housing benefit, council tax support, personal independence payment, attendance allowance, and carer’s allowance.
Despite this, she said even with such changes, it might not cover the many cash-strapped pensioners who would still be excluded from receiving necessary support.
She said: “If [Labour] is dead set on pressing ahead, the very least they should do is to greatly expand the numbers of pensioners who will receive a winter fuel payment beyond the small group they have so far said will retain it.
“Even this would not be enough though because many pensioners on low incomes or in vulnerable circumstances would still miss out on a winter fuel payment when they can ill afford to do so.”
How can you make sure you won’t have to repay winter fuel benefits?
Older individuals can report changes in their circumstances by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160.
