In July the Chancellor announced changes to the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP).
The WFP is an annual one-off payment to help pensioners pay for heating during the winter, introduced in 1997. Depending on your age and if you live with somebody else who’s eligible, it could provide up to £300 towards your bills.
However, the new announcement means only those receiving Pension Credit or other means tested benefits will now be eligible for WFP. The changes might be confusing and worrying to some people who have already factored WFP into their household budget.
We know a third of people entitled to Pension Credit aren’t claiming it so it’s worth checking so you don’t miss out on the WFP if you are still entitled to it.
Pension Credit is a weekly benefit to boost your income and is based on how much money you have coming in. If you’ve reached State Pension age, you might be able to apply for it. Check the Citizens Advice website to see if you’re eligible and get instructions on how to apply.
This article by Louise Buckingham, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire, includes some further advice about how to manage your energy bills this winter.
If you’re still unsure if you are missing out please contact us.
