Calculator reveals whether you could claim £300 Winter Fuel Payment as almost 850,000 could be missing out
CHECK if you’re one of the almost 850,000 people set to miss out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment unnecessarily with a free online calculator.
Age UK’s benefit calculator will tell you if you’re one of the thousands entitled to the payment, as well other benefits you could receive.
With energy costs remaining stubbornly high and changes to the Winter Fuel Payment meaning millions will miss out this year, it’s more important than ever to claim everything you can.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revised the criteria for applying for the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300, this year.
The £300 government handout was previously available to everyone aged over 66 to help with high energy costs.
However, the cash will now only be given to retirees on Pension Credit and several other means-tested benefits, with 10million households set to miss out this winter.
But some 850,000 people who could be claiming Pension Credit and, in turn, the Winter Fuel Payment, have not applied to receive the benefit.
Kate Smith, senior benefits expert at Citizens Advice, said:
“Many older people aren’t aware they could be eligible for extra support, which can make a real difference to daily life, particularly at a time when the cost of essentials is so high.
“Pension Credit tops up your weekly income if you’re over state pension age and on a low income.
“If you reach state pension age before September 23 2024, you have until December 21 2024 to claim and still receive a Winter Fuel Payment.
“It’s really worth applying even if you think you’ll only get a small amount.
“Even a little Pension Credit can help and unlock other benefits, like the Winter Fuel Payment. Please check if you qualify – it could make a real difference to your finances.”
Even if you’re not able to claim the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, you could be entitled to other support including the Warm Home Discount or Cold Weather Payments.
Using the benefit calculator is simple and you can complete checks for friends and relatives as long as you have the relevant information about their income, savings, benefits and pensions as well as their living situation.
It’s been calculated that around 850,000 older households on low incomes are missing out on Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is worth around £3,900 a year on average and unlocks many other benefits, such as council tax reductions and help with energy costs.
There are other bonuses available too, such as cold weather payments, free NHS dental treatment and a free TV licence.
How much can you get on Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is worth £218.15 if you’re single or for couples it’s £332.95.
If your income is lower than this, you should be eligible for the benefit.
You could get the “Savings Credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
- You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
- You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or for couples, £19.04.
You may also get additional pension credit if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have to pay certain housing costs such as mortgage interest payments.
You can find out more about Pension Credit including how to apply in our guide.
What other help can I get on Pension Credit?
Pension Credit also unlocks other support such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax support.
It opens up eligibility for social tariffs and the warm home discount, cheaper broadband, free TV licenses, lower water bills and the Winter Fuel Payment.
The extra support is worth:
- Housing Benefit – £4,338
- Council Tax support – £1,670
- Winter Fuel Payment – £300
- Broadband – £200
- Free TV licence – £170
- Water – £160
- Warm Home Discount – £150
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
Anyone over the State Pension age living in England, Scotland, or Wales is eligible for pension credit.
The state pension age is currently 66 for both men and women.
To qualify, you must have a weekly income of less than £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples.
Your estimated income could include:
- Your State Pension
- Any other pensions you have saved, for instance, workplace or private pension savings
- Most social security benefits, for example, carer’s allowance
- Any savings or investments worth over £10,000
- Earnings from a job
The calculation does not include:
- Attendance allowance
- Christmas bonus
- Disability living allowance
- Personal independence payment
- Housing benefit
- Council tax reduction
If your income is too high to get pension credit, you may still get some savings pension credit, so it’s worth checking.
It used to be the case that couples, where one person was over state pension age, could claim, but new rules now mean that both people in a couple must be over retirement age to apply.
This means if you’re single and move in with a partner who is younger than the state pension age, you will stop being eligible.
But if you’re already receiving pension credit under the old system it won’t stop unless your circumstances change.
How do I apply and how will I be paid?
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.
You can make an application on the Government website or by ringing the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you’ll need to be with them when they do.
You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago or the date you reached State Pension age)
You can also get help with the application process through charities and non-profit organisations such as Independent Age and Age UK.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
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