Almost 10 million pensioners will lose access to Winter Fuel Payments this winter because of changes to the system announced by the Government. From this winter, only people on pension credit or other specific benefits will be eligible to receive the discount, while about 10 million others are set to be stripped of the allowance. People will only receive the payment if they meet the eligibility criteria at some point this week.
Pensioners will receive a letter in October or November informing them if they will receive the benefit, with the payment made in November or December. But what is Pension Credit, and how can you get it? Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it. It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £218.
15 per week for single pensioners and to £332.95 for couples. You could get an extra £81 a week if you claim any of the following disability benefits: Attendance Allowance the middle or highest rate from the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Armed Forces Independence Payment the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate Currently, around 1.
4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit. However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help. Other benefits are also available.