Chancellor Cuts Pensioner Heating Allowance But Urges Pensioners To Check Eligibility For Pension Credit

30th July 2024

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves asked that pensioners check if they are eligible for Pension Credit ahead of the removal of the heating allowance. Anyone entitled to pension credit will still receive the heating allowance.

The heating allowance is being removed form this year. Scottish government will make a decision on this at the next Scottish budget. But is well worth checking pension credit entitlement as it opens doors to other benefits.

Nearly 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit, but many aren't claiming this extra financial help.

The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,500 per year and it can open doors to other benefits. Many are still not claiming this extra financial help.

Even a small Pension Credit award can open doors to other benefits - including help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said "It's a tragedy that up to a million low income pensioners who've paid into the system for years are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up.

"And even those only due thruppence from it should still claim as Pension Credit is the key gateway benefit that opens the door to many other entitlements - including the remaining £600 cost of living support, council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.

"Any single pensioner earning under roughly £220 a week, or pension couple earning under £320 should check online or call the pension credit helpline just in case you may be due."

Up to an estimated 850,000 eligible households are not claiming Pension Credit, with up to £1.7 billion of available Pension Credit going unclaimed.

The online Pension Credit calculator helps people find if they're eligible for Pension Credit and how much they could get. Further information, including on how to claim, can be found here: Pension Credit Overview

People can also claim by phone on 0800 99 1234.