10 million pensioners missed out on the winter gas fee just lately because the Chancellor had restricted it to these receiving Pension Credit score or comparable funds.
Nonetheless, she was compelled to vary the coverage resulting from backlash from voters, Labour MPs and activists, together with on the Might native elections when Reform UK noticed a string of victories.
The Scottish Parliament voted by 99 to 14 in favour of a decision from the First Minister, requesting the Labour Authorities at Westminster make a U-turn. The movement was supported by all of the events, together with former Scottish Labour chief Richard Leonard and Alex Rowley, who has since resigned from the entrance bench.
Responding to questions following a Spending Overview speech in Manchester the place she introduced transport tasks for the North and Midlands, Reeves confirmed that the coverage could be eased in time for pensioners to obtain the funds this winter.
She mentioned: “We’ve listened to the considerations that individuals had concerning the degree of the means check, and so we will likely be making modifications to that, they are going to be in place in order that pensioners are paid this coming winter.
“We’ll announce the element of that and the extent of that as quickly as we presumably can. However folks ought to be in little doubt that the means check will enhance and extra folks will get a winter gas fee this winter.”
It’s unknown what number of extra pensioners will obtain the fee this 12 months, however it’s anticipated to be within the tens of millions.
Right here’s what it’s good to know concerning the winter gas fee.
What’s the winter gas fee?
The winter gas fee is a tax-free annual fee the Authorities gives to assist older folks with their heating prices throughout the winter.
Who’s eligible for winter gas fee?
The quantity obtained is determined by age and dwelling scenario. For instance:
Presently, solely pensioners receiving different advantages comparable to common credit score or pension credit score qualify for the winter gas fee.
Many have argued that pensioners solely obtain pension credit score if their annual revenue is under £11,336.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said restricting the winter fuel payment to these on pension credit score was “reckless and fallacious” and “spells catastrophe for pensioners on low and modest incomes”.
Age UK mentioned it could struggle the choice and had launched a petition, which over 650,000 folks signed.
Scotland now not gives the common winter gas fee for all pensioners. As an alternative, the Scottish authorities has launched the winter heating fee, an annual allowance of £58.75 for these receiving sure advantages.
When will eligible folks obtain their winter gas fee?
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.
Learn how to apply in the event you suppose you have to be eligible for the winter gas fee
If you happen to suppose you have to be eligible for the winter gas fee however haven’t obtained it routinely, you’ll be able to apply by following these steps:
- Test eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility standards talked about above.
- Collect info: 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 cellphone or publish: By cellphone: Name the Winter Gasoline Cost Centre. The cellphone quantity may be discovered on the UK Government website. By publish: Obtain the declare kind from the UK Authorities web site, fill it out, and ship it to the tackle supplied on the shape.
- Submit your declare: Be sure that to submit your declare by the deadline, often across the finish of March for that winter season.
When was the winter gas allowance launched?
The Labour authorities of Tony Blair launched the fee in 1997 to deal with gas poverty amongst older folks. The objective was to supply monetary help to assist pensioners with the prices of heating their houses throughout the chilly winter months.
The fee was £20 (or £50 for these in receipt of means-tested advantages).
