DWP Winter Fuel Payment update after Labour | European Markets

The Division for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified its place on Winter Gas Cost eligibility after modifications by Chancellor Rachel Reeves sparked a national outcry. After guidelines have been amended final summer season, 9.2 million aged people discover themselves ineligible for the annual heating help of up to £300 as they don’t meet the factors for means-tested advantages reminiscent of Pension Credit score.

Addressing Tory MP Wendy Morton’s query on doubtlessly growing the brink for Winter Gas Funds, DWP’s Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Safety and Disabilities, argued that widening entry would “effectively mean raising the prescribed rates of Pension Credit”. In line with DWP, some 760,000 people may declare an average of over £4,200 per yr by means of Pension Credit score however have but to take action.

Sir Stephen cited robust fiscal selections to improve public funds as the explanation for limiting Winter Gas Cost entry. He stated: “The Government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control. Linking Winter Fuel Payment eligibility to Pension Credit and other means tested benefits ensures that the least well-off pensioners still receive the help they need.”

He additionally talked about that this coverage ensures direct funds to these eligible with out additional motion from them, studies the Each day Report.

He elaborated: “Increasing the eligibility threshold for the Winter Fuel Payment would effectively mean raising the prescribed rates of Pension Credit.”

He additional commented: “Raising the level of the single person’s standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit so that it matches or exceeds the full rate of the new State Pension to allow entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment would draw more pensioners into means testing; thus undermining the rationale for the new State Pension – the full rate of which is set at a level higher than the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee for a single person.

“The first function of Pension Credit score is to supply poorer pensioners with a assured income stage, and we all know there are eligible pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit score. For this reason, since September, now we have been operating the most important ever Pension Credit score take-up marketing campaign. We need to guarantee as many people as doable have entry to Pension Credit score and the opposite help it results in.”

A common false impression amongst aged residents is that having financial savings or proudly owning property disqualifies them from receiving means-tested advantages. Nevertheless, these advantages can help with housing prices, heating payments, and Council Tax.

Even a small Pension Credit score award of £1 per week can result in further help. Under is a concise information on this benefit, overlaying how to find out your eligibility, how the applying course of works, what quantities you would possibly count on, and the place to search out help in finishing varieties.

Who qualifies for Pension Credit score?

Pension Credit score is on the market in two varieties – Assure Credit score and Financial savings Credit score. To qualify for Assure Pension Credit score, you should have reached the State Pension age, which is presently 66.

Your weekly income must also be much less than the UK Authorities’s specified minimal dwelling quantity, presently set at £218.15 for single people and £332.95 for {couples}. These quantities could also be greater in the event you’re disabled, a carer, or have sure housing prices.

Assure Credit score is designed to high up your weekly income to a particular stage. The precise sum relies on your personal circumstances, reminiscent of whether or not you are disabled or a carer, or have explicit housing prices.

Financial savings Credit score can offer an further quantity. The precise sum you will obtain relies on your income and financial savings, together with assumed income from financial savings and capital over £10,000.

The right way to decide eligibility for Pension Credit score

Aged people, or their family and friends, can shortly test their eligibility and get an estimate of potential advantages utilizing the online Pension Credit score calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit score helpline on to make a declare on 0800 99 1234 – traces are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Professional advice and steerage can be obtainable from: Extra details about how to say Pension Credit score might be discovered on GOV.UK right here.