DWP told to help PIP and DLA claimants gain access to £300 Winter Fuel Payment

The Department for Work and Pensions has been told to help PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance claimants gain access to the Winter Fuel Payment. Under the government's new restrictions, nine benefits no longer qualify for the allowance of up to £300, including disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

The Social Security Advisory Committee has examined the cutbacks and written to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall with its observations and recommendations. It is urging the DWP to "take every reasonable step" to ensure people qualify for the allowance this winter.

The allowance is now restricted to those claiming Pension Credit and some other means-tested benefits. According to the SSAC's research, more than half (53 per cent) of those on Pension Credit are also in receipt of Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. However, it is estimated that around 71 per cent (1.6 million) of people with a disability will lose their entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment this year because they aren't on one of the qualifying benefits.

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The SSAC says it's crucial that the DWP encourages more people to claim Pension Credit and get their Winter Fuel Payment restored, as this will also boost the number of disabled recipients. It said: "We consider it essential that the Department urgently reviews its current Pension Credit take-up campaign to ensure that those receiving Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment are sufficiently engaged and aware of the options available to them."

The DWP hasn't yet responded to the SSAC's recommendations. A government spokesperson said: "We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their State Pension rise by up to £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.

"Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take-up has already seen a 152 per cent increase in claims. Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter, while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.

"In the longer term we will bring together the administration of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit as soon as operationally possible, so that pensioner households receiving Housing Benefit also receive any Pension Credit to which they are entitled."

Campaigners say disabled households need an additional £1,010 a month to maintain the same standard of living as everyone else and the fuel allowance is crucial in helping with that. Disability equality charity Scope says people with disabilities can have high electricity costs because they need to power medical equipment and expensive heating bills because of health conditions affected by the cold. Many call the charity for help with energy bill debts that average around £2,000, it says, and need all the support they can get.

Scope is now working with UK gas distribution network Cadent to help more disabled people this winter. The new Scope Community Disability Energy Advice Service will provide support in four areas – Manchester, Norwich, Stoke on Trent and London. A team will offer practical advice and guidance on energy bills, grants, discounts and energy efficiency.

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