About 10 million pensioners in England and Wales are anticipated to lose their winter gas funds below new plans introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The brand new Labour Authorities mentioned this is able to save £1.4 billion this yr.
Cash Saving Professional founder Martin Lewis says altering the winter gas cost will have an effect on ‘the toughest hit’
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Mr Lewis mentioned: “But once more, these simply above the thresholds shall be hardest hit. Many pensioners eke out the £100 to £300 winter gas funds to permit them to maintain some heating on via the chilly months.
“Whereas there’s an argument for ending its universality because of tight nationwide funds, it is being squeezed to too slender a gaggle — simply these on advantages and pension credit score.”
Right here’s what it’s good to know concerning the winter gas cost.
What’s the winter gas cost?
It’s a tax-free annual cost the Authorities gives to assist older folks with their heating prices through the winter.
The Labour authorities of Tony Blair launched the cost in 1997 to deal with gas poverty amongst older folks. The objective was to supply monetary assist to assist pensioners with the prices of heating their properties through the chilly winter months.
The funds have been beforehand a common profit for all pensioners till this yr’s mean-testing transfer.
Who’s eligible for winter gas cost?
The quantity you obtain is determined by your age and residing scenario. For instance:
From 2024, solely pensioners receiving different advantages akin to common credit score or pension credit score will qualify for the winter gas cost.
Many have argued that pensioners solely obtain pension credit score if their annual revenue is under £11,336.
Age UK mentioned it might battle the choice and have launched a petition.
Scotland now not gives the common winter gas Fee for all pensioners.
As an alternative, the Scottish Authorities has launched the winter heating cost, an annual allowance of £58.75 for these receiving sure advantages.
When will eligible folks obtain their winter gas cost?
You’ll get a letter telling you:
- how a lot you’ll get
- the checking account will probably be paid into — often the identical one as your pension credit score or different advantages.
apply if you happen to suppose you have to be eligible for the winter gas cost
For those who suppose you have to be eligible for the winter gas cost however haven’t obtained it robotically, you’ll be able to apply by following these steps:
- Test eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility standards talked about above.
- Collect data: Have your Nationwide Insurance coverage quantity, financial institution or constructing society particulars, and the date you have been married or entered right into a civil partnership (if relevant) prepared.
- Apply by telephone or put up: By telephone: Name the Winter Gasoline Fee Centre. The telephone quantity may be discovered on the UK Authorities web site. By put up: Obtain the declare kind from the UK Authorities web site, fill it out, and ship it to the tackle offered on the shape.
- Submit your declare: Ensure to submit your declare by the deadline, often across the finish of March for that winter season.