Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning to pensioners still on the old state pension system.
Speaking on ITV1’s Good Morning Britain, Lewis highlighted the crucial difference between the two state pension levels.
Those who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016, receive the old ‘basic’ state pension of £169 per week. In contrast, the new state pension pays roughly £221 weekly.
Lewis emphasised that many on the old state pension are entitled to Pension Credit, which would qualify them for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment. However, a significant number are not claiming this benefit.
The money saving expert expressed particular concern for the estimated 880,000 pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit but have not applied, describing them as “among the poorest in society”.
Lewis urged those on the basic state pension to contact the Pension Credit hotline if their weekly income is less than £218.
He stated: “You will almost certainly qualify for Pension Credit which will then top up your weekly income and also qualify you for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.”
Lewis emphasised the urgency of addressing this problem, noting that these pensioners are “the ones most at risk this winter of not being able to pay their bills.”
Those on the basic state pension could be missing out on the average weekly amount around £75 – or more than £3,900 a year from Pension Credit.
The decision to cut the £300 Winter Fuel Payment for all but the poorest pensioners has sparked controversy.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, warned the move was “reckless and wrong” and “spells disaster for pensioners on low and modest incomes”.
Citizens Advice has suggested “targeted bill support” from the government and Department for Work and Pensions in response to the cut.
Andy Manning, head of energy policy at the organisation, said: “This price rise means bills are now around two-thirds higher than before the energy crisis.
“With record levels of energy debt, the removal of previous support and changes to the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment, people are in desperate need. The Government must urgently introduce targeted bill support that reflects the realities of people’s energy needs”
Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, added that for many pensioners, “this winter will feel like the most expensive on record”.
Francis called for immediate action, stating: “It is so vital the ministers bring in more support for vulnerable households this winter, reductions in standing charges and a social tariff.”
He pointed out that the energy industry has made over £457billion in profit since the start of the crisis, suggesting there are sufficient funds to ensure warmth for all this winter and beyond.
The Government’s long-term plans to boost home energy efficiency and improve energy security were acknowledged, but critics argue these measures will take time to take effect.
What is Pension Credit and who is eligible?
Pension Credit is a Government benefit designed to top up one’s weekly income if they are a state pensioner and on a low income.
There are two parts to the benefit – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Guarantee Credit tops up weekly income to £218.15 if they are single or their joint weekly income to £332.95 if they have a partner.
Savings Credit is extra money one can get if they have some savings or their income is above the basic state pension amount – £169.50. Savings Credit is only available to people who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016.
Usually, people only qualify for Pension Credit if their income is below the £218.15 or £332.95 thresholds. However, people can sometimes be eligible for Savings Credit or Guarantee Credit depending on their circumstances.
For further details on eligibility, Britons ca use the Government’s Pension Credit calculator on its website or they can call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 99 1234 from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
