Last year, the Chancellor announced that only pensioners claiming Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit would receive the £300 support payment over winter.
State pensioners are losing £300 each after making the “wrong assumption” about a Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) rule change. Last year, the Chancellor announced that only pensioners claiming Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit would receive the £300 support payment over winter.
Originally, it was all Brits over the state pension age of 66. Jayne Armstrong, Brand Supervisor at homelift specialist Stiltz, said: “The changes to winter fuel payment eligibility have left millions of older people facing increased financial strain at a time when energy costs continue to rise.
“While the Government maintains that support is still available through pension credit, the reality is that many pensioners are either unaware they qualify or find the application process too complex to navigate. This has resulted in thousands of vulnerable people missing out on much needed financial assistance.”
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Ms Armstrong said: “We work closely with older people and their families and we see first hand how financial insecurity impacts their ability to live safely and independently at home. Cold homes can exacerbate mobility issues, increase the risk of falls and lead to serious conditions such as respiratory infections, cardiovascular problems, and even mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
“Beyond increasing awareness of pension credit, the Government should take urgent steps to simplify the claims process and remove the stigma often associated with means tested benefits. Many older individuals wrongly assume that owning a home or having modest savings disqualifies them from financial aid, causing them to struggle unnecessarily.
“Family members and caregivers also have a key role to play in checking their loved ones’ eligibility and helping them with applications.”
The Unite union has also launched a legal challenge against the Government to try to reverse the cuts. Unite also called on the government to release the statistics for excessive deaths due to cold.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our survey shows that pensioners are suffering real-life effects of this needless cut to winter fuel allowance. They are shivering at home, having to go without bathing or without meals.
“Retirees should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work. Instead of picking the pocket of pensioners, the government should be looking at a wealth tax that targets the very richest in society.”