Millions on PIP, DLA or Attendance Allowance set to lose £300 from DWP under Labour

A fresh report has been published by the Social Security Advisory Committee looking at the impact of the Chancellor's decision to change the eligibility criteria from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

A fresh Winter Fuel Payment warning has been issued - as 1.6million on disability benefits including PIP face losing a £300 payment this winter. A fresh report has been published by the Social Security Advisory Committee looking at the impact of the Chancellor's decision to change the eligibility criteria from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The move will reduce the number of people who receive a Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales from 10.8million to just 1.5million. It shows shows that 2.6million State Pension recipients claim Attendance Allowance (AA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The report reads: "We consider it essential that the Department urgently reviews its current Pension Credit take-up campaign to ensure those receiving Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are sufficiently engaged and aware of the options available to them."

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James Taylor, Scope’s executive director of strategy and social change, said the charity is concerned by the government’s decision on the winter fuel payment, which it says "will make life harder for older disabled people". He said: “While some disabled pensioners receive pension credit, there are an alarming number who will miss out this winter.

"We’d urge anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply, or to get in touch with our helpline for advice. We desperately need a longer-term solution for the eye-watering energy costs many disabled people face, which is why we’re calling for the government to bring in discounted bills for disabled households.”

Although the qualifying week for this year's Winter Fuel Payment has now passed (16 and 22 September 2024), you may still be eligible for the payment if you successfully apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024. That's because claims for Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months (provided you would have been entitled to the benefit at the earlier date).