In our latest staff blog, Community Wellbeing Manager, Rachel Mason, looks at what to do if you are worried about losing the Winter Fuel Payment.
In July the Government changed the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment, meaning that hundreds of thousands of pensioners will miss out on this one-off payment to help pay for heating over winter.
This is because the payment is now means tested, so unless you receive Pension Credit or other means of tested benefits, you’ll no longer automatically receive up to £300 towards your winter fuel costs.
The new rule will have a negative impact for a large number of pensioners.
Age UK said that a million people are less than £50 a week above the poverty line but will be hit hard by the cut. Another group whose incomes are a bit higher will still struggle to heat their homes adequately due to energy inefficient homes or poor health requiring the thermostat to turned to high will also suffer.
So, let’s check a few things:
- You might be eligible for Pension Credit if you’re not already receiving it. Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK said more than 800,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit they’re entitled to. The extra money given by the Government to top up your state pension will benefit if you’re on a low income. For single people, this will top up your weekly income to £218.15 and if you have a partner you’ll be topped up to £332.95. To check whether you’re eligible for pension credit if you’re not already receiving it, Age UK or Citizens Advice can provide information and advice on this. Alternatively, you can speak to someone at the Government pension service on 0800 731 0469.
- Your energy provider might be able to help by placing you on their Priority Services Register. You’ll need to be either State Pension Age, disabled, have a long-term health condition, or be considered ‘vulnerable’ by your energy network.
- You may be able to get a grant to help pay off energy debt. Speak to PECT on 0800 8021773 or email energyadvice@pect.org.uk. Citizens Advice can also advise.
- Your local district council might be able to give you a fuel voucher to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. They have lots of other information and support around cost of living.
- Cold Weather Payments are automatic payments of £25 a day to eligible pensioners if the weather drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 days in a row. If you’re eligible, you’ll get these payments automatically.
- Warm Home Discounts open in October and eligible households will automatically receive up to £150 off their electricity bill or £150 added to their prepayment meter. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you directly.
- There’s also assistance available for eligible people who use oil, LPG, coal or wood to heat their home or aren’t on the gas grid. Contact your local council to find out more.
We hope we’ve provided you with some ideas about what you can do if you either think you should qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment or if you need other routes of support to stay warm this winter.
Other ways Cambridgeshire ACRE can help
If you live in South Cambridgeshire, East Cambridgeshire or Fenland and need help to figure out what steps to take, we can work with you to give you more information and put you in touch with the right services. Visit your local Community Hub or Community Living Room and speak to one of our Village Agents, who can help you work out what to do next. To find your nearest Community Hub please call us on 01353 860850 or visit our website.
