Two-thirds (67%) will turn their heating off less than they usually would during the winter months, according to research from Independent Age. Almost a third said they would take these measures directly as a result of missing out of the Government cash boost.
As well as cutting back on bills, two-fifths (43%) will go to bed earlier to avoid heating their home.
In July, the Government decided to make Winter Fuel Payment means-tested for millions of pensioners, who will need to claim one of a range of benefits to claim the financial support for energy bills.
To be eligible for the tax-free £200 payment, you’ll need to be over the state pension age and receive either Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-related Employment or Support Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
This amount rises to £300 for pensioners aged over 80 years old who fit the eligibility requirements.
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The announcement prompted a petition by Age UK and a legal challenge from two Scottish pensioners, and worried calls to Independent Age’s helpline from pensioners concerned about Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment have trebled.
One caller told Independent Age: “That Winter Fuel Payment was vital for me to get through the winter. Without it, I will have to choose: eat or heat.
“I have to eat to stay alive, so I’ll have to keep the heating off and wear layers of clothes. It’s a pretty grim situation to be in.”
Around eight in 10 pensioners living just above or below the poverty line will lose their Winter Fuel Payment this year.
So that as many people claim the financial help as possible this winter, the Government has urged friends and family, as well as pensioners themselves, to check if they’re eligible.
As it stands, there are almost 900,000 households who could claim Pension Credit that are going without, according to Government data.
You will qualify for Pension Credit and an extra £3,900 per year if you are a pensioner and earn less than £218.15 per week (if you’re single) or earn under £332.95 if you’re in a couple.
‘More and more calls from worried older people’
Fran McSweeney, head of services at Independent Age, said: “With the colder weather already closing in and cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment, we’re getting more and more calls from worried older people facing a very bleak winter.
“Our advisers and caseworkers are working hard to ensure older people are getting all the financial support they are entitled to, but the demand for our help just keeps growing. Any donation to our helpline would be hugely appreciated; we want to make sure nobody is left out in the cold this winter.”
