New figures from Carers UK show the financial pressure that older carers are under and the potential challenges that they will face if the Winter Fuel Payment is removed from everyone apart from those in receipt of Pension Credit.
In the light of the crisis, Carers UK has looked at our data from carers from its State of Caring 2023 survey. This has revealed that 45% of carers aged 65 and over, who are not in receipt of Pension Credit, are worried about living costs and whether they can manage in the future, while 20% have had to cut back on essentials like food or heating.i
There are 1.2 million unpaid carers over the age of 65 in England and Wales, with 729,000 of those providing over 20 hours care per week and 551,000 providing over 50 hours per week.ii Pension Credit uptake is at 66%, with up to 850,000 people over State Pension age estimated to be missing out.iii
Unpaid carers can get a Carer’s Addition of £45.60 (2024/25) added to their Pension Credit if they are entitled to Carer’s Allowance. However, there are complicated overlapping benefits rules, which mean carers need to apply for Carer’s Allowance, won’t receive it because they are already paid a pension, but then become entitled to the Carer’s Addition in Pension Credit as a result of going through the process.
Carers UK website provides further information: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/benefits-for-carers-who-are-pension-age/what-is-pension-credit/
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “We are deeply concerned by the Government’s decision to remove Winter Fuel Payment from pensioners who are not in receipt of Pension Credit and the impact that it will have on older unpaid carers and the people they care for. We know that many older carers struggle to make ends meet and those just above the threshold for Pension Credit will be substantially worse off.
“They are already doing a really tough job caring for someone with a health condition or disability. This group is also not entitled to receive Carer’s Allowance despite providing substantial amounts of care.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear that so many unpaid carers, who are set to lose access to the Winter Fuel Payment, are already struggling financially. We’re really worried that this will become yet another “heat” or “eat” situation for older people with disastrous consequences for their health and wellbeing. It’s incredibly stressful for older unpaid carers, many of whom have higher costs due to their caring role.
“We need Government to reconsider their plans and include unpaid carers as one of the priority groups who can keep their Winter Fuel Allowance, as well as those receiving Attendance Allowance, who have significant health conditions. We also need to see a strong take-up campaign from the Government to encourage people to take up Pension Credit, with a particular focus on older unpaid carers.
“We’re urging all older carers to check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit – and especially if the Carer’s Addition might apply. Carers and their families can visit our Carers UK website for more information.”
[1] This figure was worked out by removing those who receive Pension Credit and also those being cared for who receive Pension Credit, where they are living together with the unpaid carer.
[1] Census 2021 data.