MARTIN Lewis has clashed with government minister Lisa Nandy over the decision to scrap the £300 winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners.
A heated debate on today’s Good Morning Britain saw the Money Saving Expert founder criticize the move as “indefensible” and call out the government for failing to reach out to the poorest pensioners.
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Martin Lewis harshly criticized Culture Minister Lisa Nancy on today’s Good Morning Britain
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Martin called out the government for not reaching the poorest pensioners
Speaking directly to the Minister of Culture, Martin did not hold back.
The money saving guru said, “Why are you defending it?
“You have been a champion for the poorest in society for so long and yet you sit back and defend policies that make charities like AgeUK pull their hair out.”
The row comes after AgeUK called on the government to scrap the policy, arguing that the poorest pensioners, some of whom earn less than £11,000 a year, would be left without support.
Read more about Martin Lewis
Martin believes many OAPs eligible for Pension Credit will not apply for it – and will therefore miss out on the vital £300 winter fuel payment.
The debate heated up as Martin continued to press Nandy about the government’s failure to reach those most in need, describing the policy as a “big flaw”.
He added: “You believe they should get Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment but you’re not doing enough to do it.
“You don’t write individual letters to the hardest-to-reach pensioners.
“There’s a lot you could do.”
Responding to claims that the party is reaching out to the poorest pensioners, Martin snapped: “The truth is you’re not targeting them. Why don’t you write bloody letters to them?
Martin Lewis Energy Alert
“You have to accept that there are hundreds of thousands of pensioners earning under £11,400 who will not get that payment this year.”
In response, Nandy defended the government’s efforts, pointing to a rise in pension loan claims, claiming a “major crackdown” had resulted in a 115 percent increase in claims.
But that did not convince Martin.
He added: “It will take four years to get everyone registered. And what is the solution now? Why don’t you write bloody letters to them?”
Despite the tension, Nandy stood her ground, stressing that the government was writing letters to eligible pensioners, but acknowledged the frustration of activists like Martin.
Nandy said: “We work with a wide range of people to reach those who need help.
“I just want to make it clear, we’re not leaving anyone out.”
SOS campaign Solar winter fuel
WORRIED about your energy bill? The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS team takes calls on Wednesday.
We want to help the thousands of retirees worried about their energy bills this winter, with advice on how to make the money go further.
Our Winter Fuel SOS team will be able to help answer your questions about whether you can get Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment.
Ten million OAPs will lose their £300 winter fuel payment due to government cuts.
It comes in the same month that millions of households are hit with a ten per cent increase in bills as the energy price cap rises.
We can help you with advice on how to save money. Our phone line is open from 7am to 7pm on Wednesday 9 October – you can call us on 0800 028 1978.
Or you can email now: [email protected]
What’s at stake for retirees?
With the changes announced in July, the government confirmed that from this winter only pensioners claiming a pension bonus or other means-tested benefits will be entitled to winter fuel payments.
It was previously available to around 11 million people of state pension age regardless of income.
But around 880,000 eligible pensioners on the lowest incomes could miss out on Energy Help because they have not claimed Pension Credit.
Martin continued to press, saying, “You’re taking money out of their hands.
“Are you prepared to accept the collateral damage of pensioners, many of whom have dementia, not getting winter fuel?”
Nandy insisted that the cut-off point for Pension Credit claims has been extended to April 2025.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed to The Sun that the deadline has not been extended.
Retirees who are eligible but have yet to apply can still receive retroactive payments.
Applications for pension credit can be made back up to three months.
As the qualifying pay week is from 16th to 22nd September, this means that the last date to apply for compensation covering those dates is 21st December.
Don’t miss it
The message is clear: if you are entitled to pension credit, it is crucial to act quickly.
Applications are still being accepted, but retirees must apply by December 21 to receive this year’s winter pass.
Martin, however, remains skeptical that many of the most vulnerable will get the help they need.
Christmas is just around the corner, time is running out and the government is under pressure to ensure no one is left out in the cold.
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Martin Lewis during a heated argument with Lisa Nancy over winter fuel payments
How to apply for a pension loan
YOU CAN start your claim up to four months before you reach State Pension age.
Claims for Pension Credit can be made on the government’s website or by calling the Pension Credit Claims Line on 0800 99 1234.
You can call a friend or family member to make the call for you, but you will need to be with them when they make the call.
You will need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments at the date you wish to return your return (usually three months before or the date you reached State Pension age)
You can also check your entitlement online by first visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
If you apply after you reach pension age, you can push back your application by up to three months.
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Source: HIS Education