Pensioners are being urgently advised to apply for Pension Credit following a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Equality Analysis revealing that recent Labour-backed cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) will disproportionately affect disabled individuals and those over 80 years old.
According to figures released by the DWP, around 71% of pensioners with a disability and 83% of individuals aged 80 and above are set to lose the Winter Fuel Payment. The analysis, released late evening on Friday, September 13th, outlined significant impacts on millions of elderly and disabled individuals:
- The total number of pensioners eligible for the WFP will drop from 12 million to 1.7 million in the first year, with that figure declining further to 1.2 million by the end of the assessment period.
- 83% of those aged 80 and older who currently receive the WFP will lose out, compared to 90% of those aged 66 to 79.
- While those over 80 will lose the benefit at a slightly lower rate than younger pensioners due to higher WFP rates for that age group, the financial impact will be more severe for the oldest individuals.
Additionally, 71% of disabled pensioners (1.6 million) will lose entitlement to the WFP despite being disproportionately more likely to retain the benefit than non-disabled pensioners.
Cllr Lindsey Green, Leader of the Stroud Conservative Group, has voiced strong opposition to the cuts, saying: "The Equality Analysis figures, quietly released by the Government late on a Friday night, are deeply troubling. It’s especially concerning that an Impact Assessment wasn’t conducted before these drastic changes were made." Lindsey Green added, "With Stroud's ageing population, the percentage of those affected will likely be even higher here. Labour's decision to slash the Winter Fuel Payment, fully supported by Stroud’s Labour MP, shows a complete disregard for our elderly and disabled residents."
The Stroud Conservative Group is actively encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit, which will enable them to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. However, Lindsey Green warns that many pensioners, only slightly above the eligibility threshold, will miss out on crucial financial support due to the changes. "Labour has failed to consider the real-world impact of these cuts. Meanwhile, MPs with access to taxpayer-funded allowances for heating their homes are insulated from the consequences faced by those most in need. We hope Labour MPs will reconsider their stance and push for these cuts to be reversed immediately," Lindsey Green concluded. Pensioners are urged to claim Pension Credit as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment.
To claim Pension Credit, visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.