From this year, the annual winter fuel payment will no longer be paid automatically to all pensioners, but instead restricted to those receiving Pension Credit. With Ofgem’s price cap set to rise again from October, might you be able to claim Pension Credit?
Pension Credit tries to ensure a minimum income level for pensioners by topping it up if it is below a threshold of £218.15 for a single person, or £332 for a couple. An estimated 880,000 pensioners are entitled to this benefit but do not currently claim it. To qualify, you, and your spouse, if applicable, should be of state pension age and have a total income below the abovementioned thresholds. This includes your state and private pension, any earnings from work and most other benefits, although some benefits like Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit are excluded from the calculation. Any savings over £10,000 are counted as £1 per week income for every £500.
You may also be eligible for Savings Credit if you reached pension age before April 6, 2016, and people with disabilities or caring commitments may be entitled to a higher income. Even if you receive just a tiny payment in Pension Credit, it can open up other benefits, such as the winter fuel payment.
To help limit energy costs over winter, Xgas can provide a boiler service in Wrexham, Chester and other nearby locations to ensure your boiler is working efficiently. Get it touch to learn more.
