Thousands of pensioners are being offered a 'real lifeline' this winter which could add an extra £3,900 to yearly income as well as energy support in upcoming months.
Around 780,000 pensioners in England and Wales are set to lose their Winter Fuel Allowance because they are not expected to apply for benefits they are entitled to, DWP figures have shown.
Last month the new Labour Government announced that Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners will now be means tested, with only those claiming Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits eligible.
Under a DWP freedom of information laws on Friday, the "equalities analyses" predicted many people entitled to Pension Credit - and therefore eligible for fuel payments under the new rules - will not submit a claim, and therefore lose the subsidy altogether.
The Government estimates around 100,000 more people could be persuaded to claim Pension Credit, but more than three quarters of a million pensioners who are eligible are still not expected to submit a claim, the document confirmed.
This week is the ‘qualifying week’ for Pension Credit, which means that people need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day in week September 16 to 22 to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payments for this winter.
Under a DWP freedom of information laws on Friday, the "equalities analyses" predicted many people entitled to Pension Credit will not claim it
GETTYHowever the "good news" is that as Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, meaning people have until the December 21 to apply.
However an expert has urged "it’s worth checking your eligibility as soon as you can" to avoid missing out.
Mike Ambery, retirement savings director at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group said: “It’s estimated that around 880,000 people who are eligible for pension credit don’t take it up.
"Some mistakenly believe that if they have some savings or their own home they won’t be entitled to pension credit, while others worry about a perceived stigma attached to claiming.
"However, eligibility is wider than often assumed and Pension Credit can be a real lifeline when times are tough – especially now.
"If you’re above state pension age and on a low income, definitely check your eligibility on the government’s online Pension Credit calculator to make sure you’re getting all available help.”
The analysis suggested that nine in 10 pensioners aged between 66 and 79 would lose their allowance, and eight in 10 over 80s would do so.
Since those over 80 receive a higher payment - £300 as opposed to £200 - they would take the greatest financial hit, it said.
Pension Credit tops up one's weekly income to £218.15 if they’re single; or their joint weekly income to £332.95 if they have a partner.
They could get additional benefits depending on their circumstances.
Those who get Pension Credit, can also get other help, including:
The best way to check eligibility is to use the Government’s online pension credit calculator, or to call the Pension Credit helpline.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, launching a Government campaign to boost uptake, said: “If you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for Pension Credit.
“It has become a desperate scramble for many pensioners to now claim Pension Credit in time to receive winter fuel payments.
“It should not have been this way. The Government should have delivered this significant change at a more gradual pace and carried it out alongside clear targets to improve the uptake of Pension Credit, including exploring making it an automatic payment."
