The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has explained why it is unable to alter the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 each winter
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has explained why it can’t broaden the eligibility criteria for Winter Fuel Payments. After a policy change last summer, around 9.2 million older people no longer qualify for the yearly heating allowance of up to £300 as they don’t receive a qualifying means-tested benefit like Pension Credit.
Responding to Conservative MP Wendy Morton’s question about the “assessment of the potential merits of increasing the eligibility threshold for the Winter Fuel Payment”, DWP Minister for Social Security and Disabilities Sir Stephen Timms said that expanding the eligibility threshold would “effectively mean raising the prescribed rates of Pension Credit”. The DWP reckons that about 760,000 people are eligible for Pension Credit – which averages over £4,200 annually – but aren’t claiming it, the Daily Record reports.
Sir Stephen outlined the reasons for not being able to widen Winter Fuel Payment eligibility, stating: “The Government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control. Linking Winter Fuel Payment eligibility to Pension Credit and other means tested benefits ensures that the least well-off pensioners still receive the help they need.”
He said this also enables direct payments to those eligible, negating the need for applications or requiring people to disclose income and personal details. He said: “Increasing the eligibility threshold for the Winter Fuel Payment would effectively mean raising the prescribed rates of Pension Credit.”
He continued: “Raising the level of the single person’s standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit so that it matches or exceeds the full rate of the new State Pension to allow entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment would draw more pensioners into means testing; thus undermining the rationale for the new State Pension – the full rate of which is set at a level higher than the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee for a single person.”
He went on to say: “The primary purpose of Pension Credit is to provide poorer pensioners with a guaranteed income level, and we know there are eligible pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit. This is why, since September, we have been running the biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign. We want to ensure as many people as possible have access to Pension Credit and the other support it leads to.”
There is a common misunderstanding among older adults that owning property or having savings disqualifies them from certain benefits that could help with living costs such as housing, heating, and Council Tax.
Even a modest award of £1 per week can unlock additional support. Here’s a quick guide to the benefit, including eligibility criteria, application process, potential amounts, and where to seek help with form completion.
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit comes in two forms – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age (currently 66).
Your weekly income should also fall below the UK Government’s stipulated minimum living amount, which stands at £218.15 for single individuals and £332.95 for couples. These figures may increase if you’re disabled, a carer, or have specific housing costs.
Guarantee Credit aims to supplement your weekly income to a certain level. The exact amount depends on your circumstances, such as whether you’re disabled or a carer, or have particular housing costs.
Savings Credit can provide an additional sum. The precise amount you’ll receive hinges on your income and savings, including assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000.
How to check eligibility for Pension Credit Senior citizens, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator available on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly on 0800 99 1234 to make a claim – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert advice and guidance is also available from: More information on how to claim Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
