Martin Lewis advises on winter fuel payment

Martin Lewis is urging state pensioners with higher incomes to claim their £300 winter fuel payment. The Labour government recently switched the benefit to being means-tested rather than automatic. This change could leave millions of state pensioners without their usual £200 to £300 support this winter. Lewis highlighted a little-known loophole that may still allow higher-income pensioners to qualify for Pension Credit. Qualifying for Pension Credit makes them eligible for the winter fuel payment. In a recent social media post, he stated, “Don’t assume you aren’t due winter fuel help. There’s a host of reasons you may still qualify for Pension Credit even if you’re over the threshold.” According to his guidance, higher income earners can qualify for Pension Credit if they have certain disabilities or illnesses. Those receiving Attendance Allowance (AA), a payment for older people needing day-to-day support, can see their income threshold for qualifying for Pension Credit rise by £82 per week. The AA payment itself is not counted as income.

Lewis’ advice on fuel payments

Lewis shared an example of a woman who claimed via this loophole for her father. This resulted in nearly £8,000 more per year in benefits for her father. Her father, who suffers from chronic arthritis, now receives an additional £72 a week and further Pension Credit of £35 a week. His Housing Benefit also increased by £40 a week. These benefits add up to an extra £150 a week, significantly improving his financial situation. Pensioners with savings can still qualify for Pension Credit. Savings below £10,000 are ignored. Payments are tapered off at a rate of £1 income per week for every £500 over £10,000. Martin Lewis continues to advocate for pensioners to explore their eligibility for these benefits. He emphasizes the importance of not assuming they are disqualified due to their income.