From this year, the payment will only be available to the lowest income pensioners who qualify for Pension Credit - but there's a catch to claim the benefit
Pensioners are grappling with a complex web of bureaucracy to access Pension Credit and retain their Winter Fuel Payment, recent developments have revealed. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to scrap the winter fuel payment, which could be worth up to £300, only the most financially vulnerable pensioners who qualify for Pension Credit will receive it from this year.
Echoing these concerns, Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, pointed out: "The pension credit form has 243 boxes to navigate. It is not particularly long or complex as claim forms go, but completing it would still pose a challenge for many of us, including many older people with no one to help them."
While the government's move to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment is projected to save around £1.4 billion, these savings could be completely offset if all 880,000 individuals eligible for Pension Credit claim what they are due. The total cost to the government would then reach £3.8 billion, significantly overshadowing the savings from cutting the winter fuel payments.
The benefit not only provides direct financial aid but also grants access to further monetary support, such as council tax reductions and healthcare cost assistance, potentially amounting to £8,000. Applications for the benefit can be made online, via telephone, or through the post. Yet, pensioners are being cautioned about potential delays on the helpline as many rush to secure the benefit before colder weather arrives.
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