Latest news with #WinterFuel
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis shares 'key message' after major Winter Fuel Payment U-turn update
Martin Lewis shares a "key message" after Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed yesterday that Winter Fuel Payments will be extended to more pensioners this winter. Speaking at an event in Rochdale, Greater Manchester yesterday, Reeves told reporters that "more people will get Winter Fuel Payment this winter", adding that further details will be announced "as soon as we possibly can". She said: "People should be in no doubt that the means test will increase and more people will get Winter Fuel Payment this winter." The Money Saving Expert (MSE) website founder took to social media after the news broke, and posted a video with his "instant" response. He opened by saying he was "delighted" by the news, adding that the government was set to increase the level of means-test for the up to £300 winter support payment. He then said it was worth "explaining" the two issues he had always had with the way that the Winter Fuel Payment means-test had been put in place. He explained: "The first one is the level. Currently, for a single pensioner, only those earning under £11,800 a year get the £200 or £300 winter fuel help. Now with energy bills still high and other energy bill help being taken away, that really was a big hit to the pensioners who were just above that limit. "I'm hoping to see this limit increase from the current £11,800 up to £20,000 or more. Perhaps they might only do it and link it to higher-rate taxpayers. Martin then said the other question - which was one of the "main reasons" he wanted to publish a video response - was about the "method of means-testing." He added: "The means test that they linked Winter Fuel payment to was Pension Credit. Now, Pension Credit has long been a flawed benefit which has been critically underclaimed, and even now, after all the communication over Winter Fuel, there are still 700,000 eligible pensioners who should get Pension Credit and thus winter fuel payments who don't because they don't claim. "Often, it will be vulnerable people with onset dementia or people who just can't go through the complicated process, especially on forms, or the message hasn't been passed on to them as it's quite difficult to explain the level of income that you need to get it. "So let's just put that into perspective, 700,000 people who have a total income of under £11,800 a year are missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment, even though that's the level the government says they should get it. From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. Sign up to our Mirror Money newsletter here. "So my big message to the Chancellor is, don't just increase the threshold. You have to look at the means test mechanism to make sure that the most vulnerable pensioners in this country, if they have income below your threshold, actually get the Winter Fuel Payment. And my fingers are crossed they'll be listening." Last year, the Labour government means-tested the Winter Fuel Payment. This meant that only certain pensioners over the age of 66 would receive the money, rather than all pensioners. The move saw over nine million pensioners in the UK lose the extra cash last winter. Labour faced severe backlash at the time, which has continued to follow them. Legal challenges have been raised against the government for the move, with charities warning that it would push more older Brits into poverty. The axing of the benefit was also linked to the rise in Reform Councillors in the recent elections. The Chancellor said public finances are in a stronger position than they were last July - meaning thresholds can be raised. Reeves added that ministers had listened to concerns about the controversial decision.
North Wales Chronicle
28-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
What is Pick My Postcode? Martin Lewis explains free lottery
Pick My Postcode, which used to be called Free Postcode Lottery, allows people to win money for free, as long as their postcode is drawn. On its website, the lottery organisers said: 'We believe everyone should have the chance to win something for free. At Pick My Postcode all you need is a postcode and a minute each day to check if you've won.' With 42,033 prizes given out in the UK so far, you might be wondering how you could be one of them. A post shared by (@realpickmypostcode) From why the lottery is free to take part in to how to claim your prize, here's what we know about Pick My Postcode. Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert (MSE) website explains: 'Pick My Postcode is a fun competition that's been running daily since 2011. 'It has several completely free draws each day – some you can win £5 to £100, while the main daily jackpot draw is currently £200, which will roll over if it isn't claimed. It sounds too good to be true, but it's legit. 'So far, over £3 million has been won, with almost a third of that going to MoneySavingExpert users.' To use Pick My Postcode, you'll need to be over 18 and register your postcode and make an account for free. At midday each day, the lottery will draw a postcode randomly with a £200 jackpot up for grabs. To claim it, you'll need to make sure you check the website for the winning postcode before midday the next day and claim it if it's your postcode that is drawn. If a £200 prize is unclaimed, the prize fund will increase by £200 every day until claimed. If there are multiple winners with the same postcode, the money will be split between each winner. MSE explained: 'The biggest prize claimed since the site started is £8,660.21. Before that it was £3,794.79, which was won by an MSE Weekly email reader. We also heard from another MoneySaver who won £2,500 – see their quote further down.' While it might sound like there's a catch, MSE explains: 'Pick My Postcode is funded by ads, which appear all over the site, along with links to other freebies and surveys. 'You don't have to click them, they make it money just by being there.' When checking the site, you can get an extra 3p each day, which will be added to your winnings, but you will only claim this if your postcode wins. A post shared by (@realpickmypostcode) You can also play smaller games, including the £50 Survey Draw (you'll need to answer a question to be entered) and the Stackpot – you could win £10 if your postcode appears in a list which is updated twice every day. Recommended reading: Martin Lewis 'three crucial alerts' warning for summer holiday travel Martin Lewis 'very pleased' at Winter Fuel Payments changes for pensioners How to claim a free coffee from Costa, Starbucks, Caffe Nero or Greggs this week If you check the site and your postcode comes up in the main draw on that day, you'll need to press the collect button. Pressing the button will mean your winnings will be paid into a PayPal account or you can have your winnings loaded onto a gift card. Winners can also choose to double and donate their winnings to a charity. Good luck!
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Council confirms £200 cost of living payments to be paid to thousands this year
In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs A UK council has confirmed that it will be paying certain residents £200 to help with energy costs this year. The help comes through Salford Council's Household Support Fund scheme. This is a government-funded cost of living initiative which gives local councils pots of cash to help struggling households living in that area. Each council decides what help it will offer to residents, an you can only claim support from your local authority. The government gave Salford Council £4.8 million for its Household Support Fund this year following its extension. In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel Payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs. Salford's Winter Support Payment scheme will give cash to those over 65 who may be eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it or are still to apply for it. Last year, 92% of the 3,000 Salford residents who were eligible received a payment through the scheme. Energy and supermarket vouchers will be provided to those struggling to cover those costs. Alongside this, it will also be issuing holiday food vouchers to eligible children during school holidays and support additional council services, including housing and adult social care. The scheme will also fund Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes. According to the council, since the Househodl Support Fund started in 2021, Salford Council has received more than 50,000 applications. Those who want to apply for support can do so through Salford Council's website. The money will be managed and distributed by Salford City Council's Assist team. The Council has confirmed that residents do not need to be claiming benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund. However, those who do apply need to provide evidence that they are unable to cover the costs themselves. From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: 'This funding has made a real difference to people's lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don't go hungry during the school holidays. He continued: 'We're committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.'
North Wales Live
12-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Pensioners urged to make 5 minute DWP call to boost state pension by £80 a week
People across the UK are being encouraged to make a quick "five minute call" to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that could potentially increase their state pension payments by £80 per week. Analysts warn that approximately 750,000 individuals across the country are not receiving the correct state pension amount they're entitled to. This is mainly due to pensioners missing out on thousands of pounds in unclaimed benefits and pension entitlements. Over 13 million people are above the state pension age in the UK, and many could be eligible for additional support they're unaware of through extra benefits, including Pension Credit. Pension experts from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice are urging pensioners to check if they're receiving everything they are entitled to. A spokesperson emphasised Pension Credit as being "worth around £4,300 a year on average", which also "unlocks other benefits like free dental care, help with rent and reduced energy bills". For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Despite thousands being eligible, uptake remains low with the Government launching a campaign to encourage applications following the means-testing of Winter Fuel Payments. Those receiving their pension are being encouraged to make a quick "five minute call" to the DWP to potentially increase their state pension payments by £80 per week. "A five-minute phone call could mean someone getting an extra £80 a week or more," added the spokesperson from Spencer Churchill. Experts point out that many pensioners incorrectly assume that once they start receiving their state pension, they are not entitled to claim any additional benefits. Here is a list of extra benefits that state pensioners may be eligible for: Pension Credit. Attendance Allowance. Council Tax Support. Winter Fuel Payments. Cold Weather Payments. War Widow(er)'s Pension. Free eye tests. Free dental treatments. Free or discounted TV licence. Energy-saving home upgrades, such as insulation and boiler replacement. However, a specialist from Spencer Churchill said: "In many cases, it's not about complex applications or means testing - just checking your eligibility and submitting a simple claim." Dean Butler, Managing Director of Standard Life, previously explained why many individuals are not receiving their full entitlements. He said: "Around 750,000 people are not receiving the correct state pension amount either due to errors in National Insurance records or the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) not making adjustments when there's a change to your circumstances." Butler advised those who spent time raising children to verify that they received NI credit for this period. Women whose husbands retired from March 17, 2008 should ensure that their entitlement was increased accordingly. Those over 80 with a low pension should check if they have been assessed for the over-80s rate. Universal Credit recipients are also encouraged to confirm that they have been receiving National Insurance credits.
Spectator
06-05-2025
- Business
- Spectator
Starmer can't afford a winter fuel U-turn
Keir Starmer has ruled out a U-turn on the government's decision to cut the winter fuel payment, with the Prime Minister's spokesman insisting there 'will not be a change to the government's policy'. This came after a report in the Guardian suggesting No.10 was considering softening the £1.4 billion cut, possibly by raising the threshold that defines who qualifies as poor enough to receive it. That a U-turn was even floated reflects two pressures: disquiet among Labour's backbenchers, and the electoral warning shot fired by Reform UK in last Thursday's local elections and by-election. In Runcorn, where Reform won by just six votes, more than 18,000 residents previously received the winter fuel payment. Many within Labour blame the cuts for driving those voters away. Analysis by The Spectator's data hub shows a path for Reform to build on this success. As the graph below illustrates, in constituencies with a high number of Winter Fuel recipients or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants, the electoral margin between Reform and the incumbent narrows significantly compared to last summer's results.
