Rachel Reeves hopes to defuse winter fuel allowance outcry by urging OAPs to claim pension credit --[Reported by Umva mag]

RACHEL Reeves is to try to defuse the winter fuel allowance outcry — by urging poor OAPs to claim pension credit.

The Chancellor is getting behind a “week of action” to encourage its uptake.

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Families, friends and neighbours are being asked to contact retired family members to check if they are eligible.

It comes amid anger from charities, the Tories and some Labour MPs at the decision to axe the allowance — worth up to £300 — from around 10million pensioners.

Some critics have warned it will cost lives this winter.

Labour says pension credit can be worth up to £3,900 a year, but 880,000 do not claim it even though they can.

Ms Reeves said: “Around 1.3million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they’re claiming pension credit — but thousands more are eligible.

“So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with fuel bills, now’s the time to help them apply.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said it was “easier than ever” to check eligibility and urged those whose circumstances had changed to do so.

Single pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15, or couples with less than £332.95, could qualify.

Those with a severe disability, carers and people responsible for a child or young person who lives with them could get more.

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