Winter Fuel Payments
The chancellor has announced that only pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive Winter Fuel Payments.
There are at least 850,000 not claiming the Pension Credit they’re entitled to; we are encouraging local carers to check your eligibility and the eligibility of those you care for to ensure you do not miss out on these vital payments.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Pension Credit can also be a gateway for accessing further support such as free TV license (over 75 years) and cost of living payments.
Who is Eligible?
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
Martin Lewis talks on Good Morning Britain explaining more about Pension Credit and the changes with Winter Fuel Payments:
Other Benefits:
Attendance Allowance- If you have a long-term illness or disability and you’ve reached State Pension age, you may be entitled to a benefit called Attendance Allowance.
To find out more about this benefit and if you or a loved one might be eligible to receive it, read more below.
If you’re under State Pension age, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
If you’re 16 or under, you may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Watch this video from Carers UK for more information:
Council Tax Support/ Rate Relief You may be able to receive some help towards the cost of your Council Tax bill if you are on a low income.
If you’re receiving Guarantee Pension Credit, you could receive the maximum amount of Council Tax Support/Reduction, which should cover all of your Council Tax bill. (Exemptions to this apply.)
If you’re not receiving Guarantee Pension Credit, you could still receive a discount. Other discounts and exemptions may also apply. Take a look at Carers UK's Help with Council Tax information.
Housing Support- If you’re receiving a qualifying benefit, you may be able to get a Support for Mortgage Interest loan to help pay towards the interest on your mortgage repayments. It may also be used towards interest repayments on repairs or improvements you’ve made to your home. Find out more on the GOV.UK website.
Housing Benefit aims to help people on a low income with rent payments. Housing Benefit is means-tested which means it is based on your overall household income and capital.
If you are receiving Guarantee Pension Credit you should get the maximum amount of Housing Benefit you are entitled to (which may not cover all of your rent).
If you are not receiving Guarantee Pension Credit, a calculation will be carried out to work out how much Housing Benefit you are entitled to. Find out more.
