Financial guru Martin Lewis has sounded an urgent alarm for over 700,000 low-income pensioners who stand to miss out on this year’s Winter Fuel Payment of either £200 or £300 if a critical deadline is missed in the coming weeks. In what was the finale of ‘The Martin Lewis Money Show Live’ for 2024, the consumer champion stressed the importance for elderly folks to check if they qualify for Pension Credit.
On the show, Martin emphasised that applications for the extra £4,200 income booster must be in by December 21 to secure a backdated Winter Fuel Payment. He also informed ITV viewers about the broader benefits of Pension Credit, highlighting potential entitlements such as Council Tax reductions and help with housing costs, the Daily Record reports.
Martin issued a stark warning: “This is an urgent warning about the Winter fuel payment deadline. For the first time this winter, payments for pensioners are means-tested and the payment is worth £200, or £300 if you’re older. To get Winter Fuel Payment you now need to claim and get Pension Credit.”
He further stated: “The last date to apply is a little less than two weeks away (December 21), but you must’ve been eligible three months ago because this is effectively a backdated claim.”
Moreover, he pointed out that while applications submitted after December 21 will still ensure eligibility for future Winter Fuel Payments, the upcoming deadline is strictly for securing the 2024/25 payment. Additionally, Martin provided insights into who is “likely to get” Pension Credit, ensuring viewers were well-informed.
Martin Lewis also outlined details of Pension Credit eligibility, setting out the income thresholds for singles and couples of State Pension age that could see them entitled to the benefit. Singles with a total weekly income under £200 and couples with a combined weekly income under £333 are likely candidates for Pension Credit and should apply.
Additionally, those with slightly higher incomes might still qualify, so it’s worth applying to find out. Martin Lewis has also shed light on what the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) considers as income during assessments, which encompasses:.
– Any income.
– State Pension.
– Any other pension.
– Benefits – although disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance aren’t included in the income tally.
He further explained that personal savings below £10,000 have no bearing on applications, but for every £500 above this limit, it’s treated as £1 of income. In his advice, Martin Lewis echoed the words of former pensions minister Guy Opperman, urging people: “don’t stall, just call” the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 to verify if they meet the criteria.
Martin raised alarms about the vast number of low-income pensioners not receiving Winter Fuel Payments, saying: “I’ve been on about this before but that still leaves approximately 700,000 eligible poorer pensioners with averaging income under £11,400 who the Government thinks should get Winter Fuel Payment, but won’t, which is why I think it is a bad way to means-test as this is a critically under-claimed benefit.”
He emphasised that even a small award could open doors to further assistance.
