DWP confirms when Winter Fuel Payment update letters will be sent to 11 million State Pensioners
The DWP has announced that letters informing individuals over State Pension age about the changes to Winter Fuel Payment will be sent "from mid-October"
by Ben Hurst, Linda Howard · ChronicleLiveThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that starting "from mid-October", all individuals over State Pension age will be notified about the alterations to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility via a letter. Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds MP emphasised that the letter will also encourage those on lower incomes to apply for Pension Credit by December 21, 2024, in order to secure a backdated Winter Fuel Payment.
In a significant shift, around 10 million pensioners are poised to lose out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year, which can amount to between £100 and £300. Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared at the end of July that this yearly assistance for heating expenses will now be limited to those over 66 who are recipients of means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (with an annual award of no less than £26), or Universal Credit (applicable to mixed age couples).
Addressing a question from Conservative MP Shivani Raja about the DWP's strategy for communicating the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and the availability of alternative financial support, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds provided a written response on Wednesday. She clarified: "From mid-October, all pensioners will receive a letter explaining the changes to Winter Fuel Payments this year and encouraging anyone who may be eligible to claim Pension Credit by 21st December."
The DWP Minister has unveiled a comprehensive communication plan to inform the public about forthcoming changes and promote Pension Credit uptake. "The Department will proceed at pace with its communication campaign to raise awareness of the changes and to promote Pension Credit. This will be followed by a Paid Partnership and national media campaign. There will then be continued marketing activity promoting the take-up of Pension Credit", according to the Daily Record.
Ms Reynolds announced that an additional £421 million will be allocated to extend the Household Support Fund in England for a further six months, from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. She also noted that extra funding will be made available to the devolved administrations through the Barnett formula, which they can use at their discretion, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Ms Reynolds encouraged individuals to check if they are eligible for the Warm Home Discount scheme, which provides a £150 rebate on electricity bills for eligible low-income households in Great Britain, paid directly to energy suppliers. She stressed: "This winter, we expect over three million households, including over one million pensioners, to benefit under the scheme."
Information about Winter Fuel Payments, which will be distributed to around 1.5 million older people in November and December, can be found on the GOV. UK website.
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For those wanting to quickly check their eligibility for Pension Credit, there are resources available. Older people, or their friends and family, can swiftly confirm their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, pensioners can directly ring the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim at 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
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