I love Christmas but I can’t afford gifts or turkey this year after losing the Winter Fuel Payment
RETIRED Grandad Simon Moss really loves Christmas – but this year he can’t afford turkey or gifts after losing the Winter Fuel Payment.
The father-of-two, 70, hardly has any money left each month after paying all of his bills – but this year he is worse off after losing the £200 a year benefit.
Simon, a retired executive assistant from Sunderland, no longer receives a Winter Fuel Payment after the Government reduced the number of pensioners who are eligible earlier this year.
In the past, the Winter Fuel Payment was given to everyone aged 66 and above.
But in July Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that only those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits would receive it.
The grandfather-of-three said: “I love Christmas. I just love all the traditions of it and it just warms the cockles of my heart.
“But it’s going to be a struggle financially this Christmas. I no longer qualify for the winter fuel allowance, which has helped out the last few years.”
Simon tries to save money each month towards Christmas, but earlier this year he had to spend all his savings on fixing his car after it broke down.
This year he said he will go without a Christmas dinner on the big day and cannot afford to go to any Christmas parties or buy gifts for loved ones.
He said: “I’ve been a bit of a party animal in the past and I do like my Christmas parties.
“This year I won’t be able to go to one and afford the stuff over the years I have got used to doing.”
Instead, the pensioner is reliant on his local Church to provide a Christmas meal on Boxing Day.
“On Boxing Day I’m having a full Christmas Day feast down at one of my churches so I’ll make the most of it,” he said.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
“At this time of year, I also make use of the Church warm spaces for a coffee.”
The meal will be provided by Christians Against Poverty, who have been supporting Simon since 2016.
The charity helped him to get out of his credit card debt, which had snowballed to £16,000.
Simon said: “One thing I won’t be doing this Christmas is maxing out on credit cards, and I urge others not to.
“That’s how I got into the uncontrollable debt situation that brought me to such desperation – living for the moment, but beyond my means over a long period of time.”
He adds: “It’s very easy to get into debt but it’s a long hard slog to get out of it.”
It’s hard for Simon to save each month as he gets £875 in state pension as well as a small private pension worth £330 – but most of this is swallowed up by bills.
But his income means he earns just over the threshold to claim Pension Credit, meaning he cannot get extra support this winter.
“I have little or no money or treats these days,” Simon said.
“I was saving for a short holiday just before Christmas but those savings got swallowed up in order to get my car roadworthy.”
Thousands of pensioners in poverty
Simon is not the only pensioner who is worried about making ends meet this year.
Official government figures published last month show that the winter fuel payment cut could force an extra 100,000 pensioners into poverty by 2027.
Meanwhile, troubling figures from Age UK reveal that one in ten pensioners say they do not have anyone to turn to.
For those aged 66 to 69 that number rises to 13 per cent.
That’s why The Sun has launched the SOS at Christmas campaign to help the older generation feel less alone this winter.
We are working with leading charity Age UK to make sure older people across the country feel secure and supported over the festive holidays and beyond.
We are urging readers to donate their time or money to support Age UK’s services, which are a lifeline to thousands.
The charity fears this winter more older people like Simon will become isolated as financial strain stops them from venturing out.
Official estimates show there are around 800,000 people in the UK are entitled to Pension Credit but have not claimed it.
Those who receive the benefit are also entitled to a whole host of other perks including a free TV licence and Cold Weather Payment.
Crucial to claim Pension Credit if you can
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
The Sun’s Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it’s imperative to apply for the benefit..
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don’t claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment – worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit – it’s more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It’s not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
Pensioners who think they are eligible have until December 21 to apply.
They must request that their claim is backdated in order to get the Winter Fuel Payment.
You can check if you are eligible using our online tool or you can call Age UK’s free Advice Line on 0800 169 65 65.
Find financial help
Thousands of people could get financial help this winter through the Household Support Fund.
The Department for Work and Pensions has given £421 million to local authorities to help vulnerable households.
Councils get a portion of this cash depending on their population, size, catchment area and need.
The exact amount you will get and how it is paid depends on where you live and your financial situation.
But you may be able to get free cash or vouchers to help cover the cost of heating your home or your weekly food shop.
For example, residents in Cheshire East could get £100 free cash to help cover the cost of food, energy and essentials.
Meanwhile, struggling families in Darlington, County Durham, can get food vouchers if they are already entitled to free school meals.
You do not need to be receiving benefits to get the support.
If you are on benefits then they will not affect your ability to apply for this support.
Another option is to contact your energy supplier for help.
Major suppliers have started to issue £150 payments to help millions of households with their gas and electricity costs this winter.
The support is provided through the Warm Home Discount scheme.
To be eligible you must get the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or be on a low income and have high energy costs.
The big six energy suppliers are all taking part in the scheme this year, including British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF.
Several smaller firms are too, including So Energy.
Households in England and Wales do not have to apply to get the cash, which should be paid automatically.
But households in Scotland must apply to receive it.
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