State pensioners issued letters with free £5,900 as power boss says ‘we’re accountable’ | Personal Finance | Finance | EUROtoday
Two million state pensioners are being issued letters to say as much as £5,900 free monetary help this winter.
British Gas is writing to older prospects to induce them to take up Pension Credit after Labour reduce Winter Fuel Payments for these not at the moment claiming the profit.
The power agency stated it’s “our responsibility” to supply further help to aged prospects on high of presidency assist, with an estimated 10 million fewer households set to get a Winter Fuel Payment this yr because of a rule change.
Under plans introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July, winter gasoline funds will likely be restricted to these receiving Pension Credit, which means will probably be taken away from all however the poorest pensioners within the UK. Previous authorities guidelines noticed round 11.5 million individuals obtain it, however this may now fall to lower than two million this yr.
Labour says it’s proper to means-test the profit, which is value as much as £300, to be able to deal with what it calls a “black hole” within the public funds.
The new guidelines now imply that you have to have been born earlier than September 23, 1958, and be claiming Pension Credit, or sure different advantages to qualify for it.
Pension Credit is value £3,900 on common per yr and it will possibly function a gateway to different monetary assist, together with the Winter Fuel Payment. British Gas is now sending letters to round two million individuals of pension age and over to encourage them to say the profit if they’re eligible.
In addition, the agency can be reopening its annual winter scheme offering monetary assist for patrons, dedicating round £40 million in the direction of measures like matching debt repayments and help grants.
The firm has elevated the utmost grant it’s going to hand out from £1,500 to £2,000. As such, if somebody qualifies for Pension Credit and additional help from British Gas, they might declare as much as £5,900 in monetary assist this winter.
Chris O’Shea, chief government of British Gas’ father or mother agency Centrica, stated: “At the end of each week or month there will be those that have little, if any, money left after paying for life’s essentials.
“We are committed to ensuring that all pensioners are fully informed about their eligibility for pension credit, which can make a significant difference in their financial wellbeing.”
Pension Credit tops up your weekly revenue to £218.15 in case you are single, or your joint revenue to £332.95 you probably have a accomplice. You should reside in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify.
The profit is value on common £3,900 a yr and might open the doorways to additional monetary assist, together with housing prices, council tax, heating prices by the Warm Home Discount Scheme, chilly climate funds and the Winter Fuel Payment, value as much as £300 per family. The profit may entitle you to:
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Support for Mortgage Interest when you personal the property you reside in
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a free TV licence when you’re aged 75 or over
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assist with NHS dental therapy, glasses and transport prices for hospital appointments, when you get a sure kind of Pension Credit
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a reduction on the Royal Mail redirection service when you’re transferring home
To safe the Winter Fuel Payment for 20245 to 2025, you have to apply for Pension Credit by the deadline of December 21, 2024. You can apply any time after you attain State Pension age however your software can solely be backdated by three months.
Applications might be made on-line through the federal government web site, by calling the Pension Credit declare line on 0800 99 1234, or by sending a declare type by put up to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3.
Minister for pensions, Emma Reynolds, stated: “Pension credit is a vital benefit. Not only is it worth £3,900 a year on average, but it also acts as a gateway to other benefits. This means even just one pound could passport pensioners to extra help including help with council tax, housing benefit and the winter fuel payment.
“I support British Gas’ campaign to ensure all those who could be eligible are getting this help and urge all pensioners, and their friends and family, to check to see if they or their loved ones could be getting additional support via our online calculator.”
https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/1969911/state-pensioners-issued-letters-free-5900