Minister responds to call for u-turn on winter fuel decision but reminds people to apply for pension credit soon
A government minister has reminded pensioners that they have until the end of this week to make a claim for pension credit. Labour’s Pensions minister Emma Reynolds was answering questions in the House of Commons today.
She was asked by Conservative MP Neil Duncan-Jordan if her government will reverse its controversial decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance, meaning millions won’t receive it. The Tory MP said: “The poorest pensioners in our society are those who are eligible for the pension credit but don’t claim it, or just a few pounds above the threshold and they miss out on passported support. Means testing by its very nature is simply not the best way to get help to those who need it most, so will the minister reconsider the recent decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance?”
Ms Reynolds rejected the call but reminded people of when they must apply for pensions credit for in order to receive it. She answered: “We won’t reconsider that decision because in a very tight fiscal environment when we inherited a £22 billion black hole from the party opposite, we had to take some very tough decisions. What I will say is, he’s given me the opportunity to remind people that they have until Saturday to make a Pension Credit claim, which can be backdated and which will passport them to winter fuel payments and other related benefits.”
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Winter Fuel Payment is a £200 for people born between September 23, 1944, and September 22, 1958, and £300 for those born before September 23, 1944. The payment started being credited to bank accounts from November 25, 2024, with the payment reference beginning with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’. Those who do not receive a payment by January 29, 2025, should contact the department.
The Government has urged those who do not receive Pension Credit and think they might be eligible to check. This can be done via the DWP website. 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.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
