MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to 880,000 pensioners who are missing out on a “financial lifeline” worth £3,900 a year.
With colder months approaching and energy bills on the rise, this extra cash could be a real financial lifeline.
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The Government’s Pension Credit Week of Action kicked off yesterday, urging pensioners across the country to check their eligibility and claim what they are entitled to.
Yet, despite the campaign and countless reminders, thousands of pensioners are still failing to claim the Pension Credit they’re due – and they could be missing out on much more than just that.
Pension Credit is worth an average of £4,000 a year and opens the door to a host of other benefits, such as a free TV licence, help with housing costs, and the all-important Winter Fuel Payment.
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to issue a stark warning, saying: “The government must rethink winter fuel payments or almost all pensioners will need to find £100s more than last winter.”
He added: “While energy will cost less than during last winter’s crisis time, the reduction in rates only equates to a drop of roughly £100 over the six winter months for a household with typical usage.
“Yet specific pensioner energy support has dropped by far more.”
With the new price cap from Ofgem set to increase energy bills by 10 per cent from October 1, pensioners are facing an average annual bill of £1,717.
The government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payments, limiting them to those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, has left many pensioners out in the cold – literally.
Last year, 11.5 million households received up to £600 in winter fuel support, but this year, millions will miss out unless they claim Pension Credit.
If you’re over the State Pension age and your income is below £218.15 (if single) or £332.95 (if a couple), you could be eligible for Pension Credit.
Even if your income is slightly above these thresholds, you might still qualify if you have certain expenses like housing costs, or if you’re a carer or have a disability.
The application is simple, and the benefits are substantial.
Pension Credit doesn’t just top up your income – it’s the gateway to other critical support like Council Tax reductions, free NHS dental treatment, and help with housing costs.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply for Pension Credit in three easy ways:
- Online: Head over to the Pension Credit GOV.UK page and follow the instructions.
- Phone: Call the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
- Post: Print and fill out a paper application form from the GOV.UK website.
The government’s campaign is targeting friends, family, and neighbours to reach out and help eligible pensioners check their entitlements.
Time is ticking – you need to make a claim by December 21st to backdate it and qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Don’t let yourself or someone you love miss out on this vital support. A few minutes could make all the difference – up to £3,900 a year.
Martin Lewis says it’s never been more important – and he’s right.
Don’t let that £3,900 slip away. Your heating bills, TV licence, and much more could be covered – but only if you act now.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE’S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
