Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
UK Benefits and Assistance for Older Adults This Winter
Moneymagpie Team
3rd Oct 2024
With the term “Winter Fuel Payment” dominating headlines, there are concerns and questions across the UK. We want to go through clearly what the Winter Fuel Payment is, how they are changing, and what other schemes are in place to assist vulnerable people. With issues like the cost of living, it’s imperative to know where you currently stand, particularly if you are worrying about bills this winter.
- What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?
- What Is Happening to Winter Fuel Payments?
- Further Assistance for Pensioners
- Stay Warm This Winter
What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payments are a tax-free amount of £200 or £300 to assist with heating bills. It is applicable to people in England and Wales born on 23 September 1958. Those eligible should receive a letter in October or November confirming the amount. The amount previously came down to two requirements:
- £200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944.
While this was automatic for anyone in those age brackets living in England and Wales, the eligibility has changed this year.
What Is Happening to Winter Fuel Payments?
The government announced this year that from winter 2024/2025, pensioners in England and Wales will not automatically receive the winter fuel payment. Instead, those receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits will receive it. Additionally, those on Pension Credit will receive £25 for each sub-zero week.
Pension Credits are payments for elderly people on low incomes. The Department for Work and Pension estimated that 1.5 million people in 1.3 million households will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
You may also be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment if you or someone in your household receive:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit.
As mentioned, if you are eligible for the fuel payment, you will receive a letter in October or November. If you think you should be receiving the allowance, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Understandably, the change in eligibility has caused debate. In order to be more fiscal, the aim is to only provide the payment to those most in need. To reach as many people as possible, the government is taking further initiatives.
- Pension Credit Awareness Drive: Reaching out to households and encouraging them to apply for Pension Credit by 21st December.
- Outreach: The government is working with older people’s charities and local councils to identify houses eligible for Pension Credit who may not have applied.
- Combining Plans: Work is underway to incorporate housing benefits within Pension Credit so there are not two separate claims.
Further Assistance for Pensioners
If, however, you do not qualify for Pension Credit but need extra support, there is help out there. Other types of benefits and grants are available to help cut costs in other areas of your life if you need them.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a government-funded subsidy given to people spending at least 35 hours a week assisting someone. They can receive £81.90 a week if they are over 16 and provide the following:
- Help with washing and cooking.
- Taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment.
- Helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping.
If you are caring for someone with age-related difficulties, check if you are eligible for the payment. Some factors, such as receiving other benefits, can affect your application.
Home Improvements
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) helps people with mobility issues make changes to their homes. It covers a wide range of issues, including age-related problems. Depending on your circumstances and savings, you can receive up to £30,000. This will help to:
- Expand doorways and add ramps or handrails
- Enhance accessibility to different areas of the home, such as installing a stairlift or a walk-in shower.
- Improve access to outdoor spaces like your garden
- Construct an additional room, such as a ground-floor bedroom
- Install a heating system tailored to your specific requirements
- Modify heating or lighting controls to make them more user-friendly.
Additionally, if you want to make longer-term improvements and ultimately save money, the Energy Company Obligation provides assistance in making energy-efficient improvements to your home.
Help from Your Local Council
It is worth considering whether your local council can help keep costs down. Through the Household Support Fund, councils in England have been allocated an additional £421 million in funding, with an extra £79 million distributed across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to assist those in greatest need. Approach your local council and see if they can assist in these areas:
- Help with the Cost of Living: Local councils may offer assistance with essential expenses like food, energy, and water bills. This is sometimes referred to as the Household Support Fund.
- Council Tax Reduction: Individuals receiving the Guarantee Credit portion of the Pension Credit might qualify for Council Tax Reduction. This benefit can assist those with low incomes to cover their Council Tax payments.
Other Grants
There are organisations out there that provide funds and grants to vulnerable people. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these organisations if you are having trouble with benefit claims. Many factors involved in claiming benefits often clash, so it’s worth speaking to these institutions.
Charis Grants: Charis works with and helps administer funds in tandem with some of the UK’s biggest energy providers. They can provide help with debt relief and utility bill support schemes.
Auriga: A leading organisation specialising in grants and welfare assistance to those most vulnerable. While covering a wide range of services, they can help with emergency fuel costs.
LEAP: Local Energy Advice Partnership offers free advice and home visits to pensioners. They will guide you through cost-effective measures to tackle energy bills, advise on energy-efficient home improvements and help you apply for grants and discounts.
Stay Warm This Winter
We understand that navigating these services can be overwhelming, especially given recent changes. Always remember that support is available, and there is no shame in being fully informed of what you are entitled to receive. Nobody should have to worry about staying warm this winter, and hopefully, you’ve got a broader understanding of what avenues are available.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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