State pensioners are being warned they could be required to repay £300 unless they take one of three crucial steps. This development follows changes made to the winter fuel payment scheme.
The support, previously available to all, is now subjected to means testing. The change has thrown Labour into controversy for having endorsed the adjustment this year.
In a major shakeup unveiled in July by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the benefit will now be accessible solely to recipients of means-tested support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which includes individuals receiving Pension Credit. This revision affects numerous pensioners already struggling with the soaring cost of living and rocketing energy costs.
Pensioners are being advised of the potential need to refund the payments, with an emphasis on the need to update the DWP regarding changes in circumstances to stave off repayment issues, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
Pensioners have been warned that they face having to pay the money back if:
- They do not report a change in circumstance
- They provide incorrect information
- They are overpaid by DWP.
Those wishing to communicate changes have the option of reaching out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 or, for pensioners living abroad, the DWP support line at +44 (0)191 218 7777 is available.
Age UK’s Charity Director Caroline Abrahams 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 WFP beyond the small group they have so far said will retain it.
“They could achieve this in part by automatically giving the Payment to pensioners on other benefits, such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Personal Independence Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance.”
“Even this would not be enough though because many pensioners on low incomes or in vulnerable circumstances would still miss out on a WFP when they can ill afford to do so.”
