After the chancellor’s announcement that winter fuel payments would become means tested for pensioners, the news brand offered advice by phone and email on Wednesday to help pensioners unsure if they still qualify
The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS team provided guidance to help pensioners access what they are entitled to and help avoid approximately 880,000 retirees potentially missing out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment because they haven’t registered for pension credit.
Readers were able to contact the team by phone or email to receive guidance on claiming benefits, and those who aren’t eligible for benefits will be given money-saving advice such as how to switch energy provider. Those who rang but did not speak to someone on the day will receive a call back within a week.
A panel of experts including former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb and consumer champion Martyn James were drafted in to help take calls from readers.
Pensions minister Emma Reynolds has come out in support of the campaign saying: ‘“It is vital we make sure that pensioners know about all the support they are entitled to.”
“Our drive to boost pension credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims and Sun readers can help spread the word.”
Victoria Newton, editor-in-chief of The Sun says: “The huge number of calls into the Sun’s hotline this week has highlighted just how important our SOS campaign is, and how much of an issue the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment is for so many older readers.”
