Payment delays despite freezing weather
A NUMBER of elderly people have still not received their Winter Fuel Payment following the recent spells of freezing weather.
Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, has hit out at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) over delays to pensioners receiving their payments.
He wrote to the DWP to raise concerns on behalf of several constituents who had been in touch.
UK Government officials have now admitted that there have been delays in processing the Winter Fuel Payments which are normally paid automatically in November and December but assured that all payments will be processed by the end of March.
The UK-wide benefit, worth between £100 and £300, is paid to eligible over-65s to help with heating costs.
Docherty-Hughes said:
“Many of my elderly constituents in West Dunbartonshire rely on the Winter Fuel Payment to help cover the costs of their energy bills during the winter months.
“It’s deeply concerning, especially given the recent spells of freezing weather, that the DWP thinks it’s acceptable to keep pensioners blighted by fuel poverty waiting months overdue for this vital payment.
“The stay at home requirements due to Covid-19 have also meant that many older people in particular are worried about their home energy costs just now.
“I’d urge anyone who thinks they should have received their Winter Fuel Payment but hasn’t yet to get in touch.”
For people aged over-65 it’s worth double-checking your eligibility online at gov.uk/ winter-fuel-payment or by calling the Government’s free helpline on 0800 731 0160.
Attempts were made to contact the DWP.