Former DWP staffer claims cutting Winter Fuel Payments might lead to higher benefit claims
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee has cautioned that the UK Government's move to axe Winter Fuel Payments for roughly 10 million State Pensioners might "backfire" and potentially lead to a "trigger an increase in the benefits bill".
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last week the annual heating aid, valued between £100 and £300 based on the recipient's age and household situation, will now reach only about 1.5 million State Pensioners on means-tested benefits.
She also highlighted the government's plan to boost Pension Credit uptake among low-income pensioner households, which would grant them access to further financial help, including Winter Fuel Payments.
Yet, the ex-DWP staffer with four decades of experience in handling benefits such as the State Pension suggested that this policy change could result in more pensioners applying for Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit, ultimately costing more than the single yearly Winter Fuel Payment.
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