State pensioners losing Winter Fuel Payment will get NEW £300 payout on 'case by case basis'
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months.
by James Rodger, https://www.facebook.com/jamesrodgerjournalist · Birmingham LiveOver one thousand pensioners missing out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment will get cash help worth HUNDREDS. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months.
Most who are eligible receive the payment automatically and those who qualify are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year. But due to a shake-up from the new Labour Party government, 10 million pensioners risk not getting it.
Thankfully, for those in Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes City Council manage several schemes to support residents with low incomes. The UK Government's Household Support Fund will provide additional funding, alongside specific funding from the council to help residents who are in financial difficulties.
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Milton Keynes said that it will decide on eligibility on a "case by case" basis, but people who are just missing out on eligibility for the winter fuel payment will receive help worth up to £300. Those whose local authority is Milton Keynes and meet any of the criteria will be contacted about accessing the support.
The criteria is "local people who are already in financial difficulty" as well as "those who fall out of eligibility for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment". It added that anyone in financial crisis can approach the council for help with the cost of food, energy and essentials.
The local authority and council said it expects around 1,400 pensioners to be eligible. It said: "There is no right of appeal against a decision not to make an award, or about the amount of an award. If you are not happy with the outcome, you can ask us to review your application within five days of our decision.
"Requests for a review should be made in writing and must state the reasons why you do not agree with the decision and why you are asking for a review. The review will be conducted by a senior officer who was not involved in the original decision."