Thousands of state pensioners who are not getting Pension Credit may still be able to claim Winter Fuel Payments thanks to a little-known loophole.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update on eligibility criteria, revealing that individuals over the state pension age who receive Working Tax or Child Tax Credits may be eligible for support, if they're claiming a certain amount.
Before this update, only those receiving means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit were eligible for this payment.
To qualify, recipients must have an annual tax credit award of at least £26 that includes at least one day within the week of September 16-22, 2024.
This provision allows many pensioners to access the Winter Fuel Payment automatically, without the need to apply for Pension Credit separately.
The Winter Fuel Payment ranges from £100 to £300, depending on individual circumstances and to be eligible, recipients must have been born on or before September 23, 1958.
The DWP has asserted it is working to rectify the situation for those affectedPAThe DWP will send letters in advance to inform eligible pensioners of the amount they will receive.
Due to Tax Credits being phased out, the DWP stated: "As Tax Credits are closing, most people on Tax Credits will get a notification informing them they will need to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit to continue getting financial support."
However, pensioners should not apply for these benefits before receiving their notification, as it could affect their entitlement.
The transition from Tax Credits to Universal Credit or Pension Credit affects Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. Those still receiving Tax Credits may qualify for the payment if they meet the criteria.
However, the DWP is sending "migration notices" to current Tax Credit recipients, giving them three months to claim Universal Credit.
Pensioners awaiting this transition could still be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in the meantime.
Those receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, who haven’t applied for Pension Credit or Universal Credit by September 22, 2024, could still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.
Winter Fuel Payments may not be paid automatically for customers on Tax Credits, and any claims must be made by March 31, 2025.
Eligibility extends to individuals living in Scotland, England, or Wales who are in receipt of certain benefits.
However, some exclusions apply, such as those living in care homes who receive certain benefits or those who have been in hospital for more than a year.
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For those living alone, the payment ranges from £250 to £600. Pensioners living with a partner may receive between £250 and £500 jointly if they claim qualifying benefits.
Residents in care homes may be eligible for £150 to £300, depending on their circumstances.
The Winter Fuel Payment was previously available to everyone aged 66 and above to help with high energy costs. The DWP said that state pensioners claiming income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment support allowance or Universal Credit would also be eligible.
However, Rachel Reeves announced a change in the criteria last month which meant that 10 million pensioners will no longer be eligible. Only those on means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit are now eligible.
A Government spokesman said: "We are absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement. That’s why through our commitment to protect the triple lock, over 12 million pensioners could see their State Pensions increase by almost a thousand pounds over the next five years.
"But given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it’s right that we target support to those who need it most while we take the difficult decisions needed to fix the foundations of our economy. Over a million pensioners will continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment and eligible pensioners will also be able to benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme from October to help with their energy bills over winter.
"We are urging pensioners to come forward and check their eligibility for Pension Credit to ensure as many people in need as possible have access to this support."
