If you are one of the many family carers that have lost your winter fuel payments it is important to remember that it may be possible to reinstate this by claiming Pension Credit. Although there is no deadline to apply for Pension Credit itself, an application must be received before 21 December 2024 to be eligible to receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
You can check your eligibility for pension credit by using the pension credit calculator or by calling the Pension Credit Claim service on 0800 99 1234. When applying for Pension Credit, it is important to ask for it to be backdated in the application as this should help them to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
More about Pension Credit
Pension Credit is an important benefit you may be entitled to if you have limited savings, a low income and have reached State Pension age. Pension Credit may be able to top up your income but four out of 10 people who are eligible fail to claim it. It’s worth checking whether you’re entitled to it by using the pension credit calculator.
Pension Credit is made up of two parts Guarantee Pension Credit and Savings Pension Credit
- Guarantee Pension Credit: This tops up your income to a guaranteed minimum amount set by the government. As a family carer you could get a higher amount. You could be eligible even if you have savings, a pension or own your own home.
- Savings Pension Credit: An extra payment for people who have saved some money towards their retirement. It is being phased out and you can only claim it if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
The process for applying for Pension Credit can be complicated, but our friends at Carers UK have kindly provided the below guide to help you to see if you can apply for Pension Credit. It is 3-step process, and as family carer, it may be a good idea to apply for Carer’s Allowance as well if you meet the criteria. Even if you know you will not be paid this benefit you may be assessed as having an ‘underlying entitlement’. Ultimately, this would mean that you are more likely to be eligible for Pension Credit and may get a higher amount. More information on carers allowance and you underlying entitlement can be found in our Carers Rights and Carers Safety video
