§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason the number of winter fuel payment recipients is lower than the total population aged 60 years and over. [81949]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe number of winter fuel payments issued is less than the total population aged 60 and over because, although most people aged 60 and over who normally live in Great Britain in the qualifying week are entitled to a winter fuel payment, there are some exceptions. These are people who, in the qualifying week, have been in hospital for more than 52 weeks; or have been in residential care for more than 13 weeks and receive income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance; or are in custody under sentence. Also, people subject to immigration control who are not eligible for help from the Department for Work and Pensions are not entitled to a payment.
In addition, where a couple is receiving the minimum income guarantee or income-based jobseeker's allowance, the claiming partner receives a £200 winter fuel payment for them both.
Where a person needs to make a claim for their winter fuel payment, it is up to that person whether they choose to claim.