DWP state pensioners 'on higher income' qualify for £300 2024 winter fuel payment

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show people on a higher threshold qualify for pensions credit than many believe

A new higher level of income on state pensions has been uncovered which will mean they still qualify for Pension Credit - and get the winter fuel payment.

Many believe that the threshold for pensions credit is £218.15 if they are single or £332.95 if they are a couple. However official DWP guidance shows that people can also get it if they are on £260.68 if they are single or £380.55 if they are a couple - if they reached their State Pension age before 6 April 2016.

BBC expert Paul Lewis said: “Those who reached pension age before 6 April 2016 have a higher threshold. The constant use of the lower threshold helps put people off claiming.”

On the Department for Work and Pensions document Pension Credit toolkit: advice and guidance for stakeholders, it says there are 4 main questions when considering whether a pensioner may get Pension Credit:

1. How old are they?
2. If they have a partner who lives with them, how how old is their partner?
3. What is their weekly income? Is it less that £218.15 if they are single or £332.95 if they are a couple?
4. Do they have any savings? Have they got less than £10,000?

However it adds: “People who have more income or savings than this may still qualify for Pension Credit. But these questions are a good basic indication of who is likely to qualify.

“If they are over 65 and reached their State Pension age before 6 April 2016, they could still qualify for Pension Credit if their weekly income is less than: “260.68 if they are single, £380.55 if they are a couple.”

An estimated 880,000 people who qualify for Pensions Credit aren’t currently receiving it and campaigners including Martin Lewis are urging people to apply even if they don’t think they are eligible. Earlier this the Labour government removed the £2-300 winter fuel payment for anyone not receiving Pensions Credit - meaning it’s stopped for more than 10 million people.

The threshold to get pension credit varies with age and sex. The income thresholds for people who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016 (men born before 6 April 1951; women born before 6 April 1953) are:

• Single – income below £260.68/week
• Couple – income below £380.55/week

For those who reached state pension age on 6 April 2016 or later:

• Single – income below £218.15/week
• Couple – income below £332.95/week

Writing on Saga, Mr Lewis explained: “And that rule creates both age and sex discrimination. For example, neighbours Barbara and Susan live alone, each on an income of £250 a week.

“But Barbara reached pension age on 5 April 2016 and could get pension credit of £4.27 a week (£222 a year) plus the £200 Winter Fuel Payment. Susan, who reached pension age on 6 April 2016, could not get pension credit or Winter Fuel Payment and would be £422 a year worse off than her day older neighbour.”

To apply for Pensions Credit click here.