Winter Fuel Payments
It’s likely that you will have seen the coverage in the press about the new means-testing of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Pensioners will now only get the Winter Fuel Payment if they are also getting a means-tested benefit (primarily Pension Credit).
It is estimated that there are 880,000 households across the country who are eligible for Pension Credit but have not claimed.
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 lower than this, it is very likely that you are missing out on Pension Credit.
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, or you have savings. (Attendance
Allowance, DLA, PIP, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Relief are not counted as income).
The Winter Fuel Payment is:
£200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
£300 if you were born before 23 September 1944
Customers can check their eligibility online at: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator or call the Pension Credit claim line: Telephone: 0800 99 1234
You can also contact the Financial Inclusion Team at Ocean Housing on 01726 874450 or via email at fia@oceanhousing.com
We recommend that customers make their claim before 16 December 2024 to have the best chance of qualifying for this year’s Winter Fuel
Payment.
PLEASE NOTE: Customers over state pension age and getting Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit could still qualify for a winter fuel payment this winter. Customers should not apply for Pension Credit before receiving their managed migration notice from the DWP as they may lose out on Transitional protection.