Age UK Calls for Pensioners to Access Essential Financial Support
Age UK is urging older individuals with low or modest incomes to verify their eligibility for Pension Credit and Cold Weather Payments. These payments are designed to assist vulnerable households during periods of extreme cold, providing much-needed relief from heating and energy costs.
Understanding Cold Weather Payments
Cold Weather Payments are automatically issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) when temperatures drop to 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. Eligible households receive £25 per cold spell to help cover additional expenses. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has described these payments as 'a lifeline for vulnerable households when temperatures plummet'.
The scheme primarily supports people in England and Wales, with separate but similar arrangements in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, heating support is provided annually during winter, rather than being linked to specific cold spells.
Eligibility Criteria for Support
Individuals who receive Pension Credit automatically qualify for Cold Weather Payments. Additionally, households on other benefits may be eligible, including:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Eligibility depends on factors such as having a disability, a child under five, or limited capability for work. Payments are made automatically to those already receiving qualifying benefits, so no application is necessary.
The Importance of Pension Credit
Age UK is highlighting Pension Credit as part of its 'crisis hiding in plain sight' campaign. The charity notes that many older people miss out on this support due to assumptions of ineligibility or fears about the application process. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, stated: “During this cold snap, it’s vital for older people to stay warm and well in their homes. Rising energy, food and rent costs have had a severe impact on living standards.”
Pension Credit is worth an average of £86 per week and can unlock access to additional benefits, such as:
- Housing support
- Council tax reductions
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Cold Weather Payments
- Warm Home Discount
Morgan Vine, director of policy and influencing at Independent Age, emphasized that over half of older people on low incomes worry about heating bills, making this support crucial during winter months.
How to Check Eligibility and Apply
Older people and their families are encouraged to check eligibility for financial support through the GOV.UK website. Applications for Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months, potentially resulting in a lump-sum payment alongside ongoing weekly support.
Age UK advises seeking free advice if unsure about entitlement. The charity’s national advice line assisted over 6,000 older people with benefit checks last year, identifying more than £36 million in additional financial support. For assistance, contact Age UK’s advice line at 0800 169 6565 or use their online benefits checker.
Cold Weather Payments Distribution
This winter, freezing temperatures have led the DWP to distribute over £35 million in Cold Weather Payments, with nearly a fifth allocated to homes in the Greater Manchester region. The payments are triggered based on weather stations across various postcodes, ensuring targeted support where it is most needed.
Age UK’s message is clear: “No one should be choosing between heating and eating. A quick check could make a real difference this winter.” By taking action now, older people can secure vital financial aid to navigate the challenges of cold weather and rising living costs.
