§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were recipients of winter fuel payments in 1999–2000; how many people who were eligible he estimates did not take advantage of these payments; and if he will make a statement. [124546]
§ Angela EagleIn the winter of 1999–2000 around 10 million people in over 7.5 million households received winter fuel payments.
In the first three winters of the winter fuel payment scheme, eligibility was based on receipt of one of a number of Social Security benefits. We were able to identify those eligible through the benefit computer systems, and then make payments automatically. There was therefore no need for anyone to claim their winter fuel payment, and all those eligible should have received the payment.
As a result of changes to the winter fuel payment eligibility rules announced in December 1999, it has been necessary to introduce a claims process so that people aged 60 and over can establish whether they are eligible. The new rules are being backdated to the beginning of the scheme in the winter of 1997–98. The claims process will enable newly eligible people, many of whom are not in receipt of benefits and who will therefore not be identifiable through the benefit computer systems, to claim their winter fuel payments for past winters. It is too early to say what proportion of the newly eligible population will apply for such payments.