Since the announcement that the Winter Fuel Allowance would be means tested there has been a backlash with some Labour MP’s abstaining on the vote in the House of Commons. Age UK currently has an active petition on their website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
In order to receive the Allowance pensioners who are in receipt of a range of benefits will be eligible. Pension credit is a means whereby if you are on a low income you will receive extra benefits. If you receive Pension Credit then you will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Allowance. However, currently there are approximately 1 million who are not claiming and may not even know they are eligible. This benefit could be worth £3,900 a year and is a gateway benefit which means you may also not pay council tax and be eligible for other benefits. With the Winter Fuel Allowance announcement, it is more important than ever that you check your eligibility. The rules are complex but there are organisations who will help you and lots of information on the Gov.UK website (https://www.gov.uk/) which has a Pensions Credit Calculator which would seem a good place to start. This can be accessed @ https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
If you prefer to talk to someone on a freephone number then call
England, Wales or Scotland. Pension Service helpline: 0800 99 1234
(8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Northern Ireland. Pension Centre: 0808 100 6165 (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
If you know a relative or friend who is straggling with the cost of living please pass on these numbers to them. Please have details of income to hand when calling or accessing the online questionnaire. .
You have nothing to lose by checking and everything to gain.
