Winter Fuel Allowance - What are the changes?

As of 10^th September, the Government have decided to scrap the universal Winter Fuel Allowance - previously an entitlement for all pensioners. This means that now to receive the allowance you’ll have to have reached the State Pension age, and also be receiving a qualifying means tested benefit.

Some of these changes will be daunting for some, so in this article we’ll aim to explain what these changes mean for you, and what support there is for you this winter.

The Winter Fuel payment is an annual, tax-free payment of £200, or £300 if you’re over the age of 80. It was introduced to provide financial support for those receiving the State Pension during the colder winter months in covering their heating costs.

The new changes mean that from 2024 the Winter Fuel Allowance will only be available to those who alongside having reached the State Pension Age (i.e. Were born on or before 22^nd September 1965), also receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 2024-25.

If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically

If you claim Universal Credit, or have never received the payment before, you may need to make a claim. Those receiving Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit must make a claim.

It’s worth checking if you are entitled to some support. If you have dementia and are on a low income, you may be entitled to:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit

(If you can no longer work due to dementia or other health conditions, you may be entitled to additional support).

We recommend you use the government’s Pension Credit Checker to see if you’re eligible for pension credit, and how much money you could get.

Pension Credit Checker

You may also qualify for support in paying for NHS costs and Council Tax, such as:

• Schemes to help reduce costs
• Council Tax reductions
• Getting full help with NHS costs
• the NHS low income scheme
• Free TV license if you’re over 75

(Some of these entitlements may not be automatic and will require separate applications. Speak to one of our Dementia Advisers if you require any assistance).

We understand that for many these changes can be incredibly daunting, particularly for people with Dementia. Our team of advisers are here to support you and provide you with the best advice and assistance on what support is available for you and how to claim it.

Dementia Concern has good partnership links with the Trussell Trust which supports the largest network of food banks in the UK and provides emergency food and support to people experiencing financial difficulties and low income. The Trussell Trust runs many of the Food Banks across Ealing.

Victor Samuyiwa, one of our Dementia Advisers at Dementia Concern, has been authorised by Dementia Concern management to be able to provide food assistance vouchers to clients with dementia who may be struggling financially.

Following issuing a food voucher presented at the allocated foodbank, the localised food bank will give you a food parcel. The food parcel will usually contain enough food for 3 days. The food bank might also be able to give you essential toiletries, like toothpaste or deodorant. The food parcel should provide at least three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food to people referred, as well as support and advice to help people maximise their income and reduce the effects of the cost of living crisis.

If you have a Dementia diagnosis or are the family carer of a person living with Dementia in the London borough of Ealing and are both known to Dementia Concern and experience money problems, please speak with your professional at Dementia Concern to speak with Victor to make a referral for food assistance vouchers or call Victor on 07855 757160 to request a food voucher for a maximum period of 16 weeks.