'Proud pensioners could die over payment loss'

Many elderly people could die because they are "too proud" to claim benefits that would enable them to keep their winter fuel allowance, a charity has warned.

The government is planning to restrict winter fuel payments to only those pensioners who are receiving pension credit.

Staff at Community Action Northumberland (Can) said many pensioners would not discuss their income and would therefore miss out when the changes come into force.

A government spokesperson said it was "supporting pensioners" by raising pensions and offering a £150 warm home discount.

Christine Nicholls, the energy lead at Can, said: "I am very worried that some people in Northumberland may die this winter who could have had the extra help."

Ms Nicolls said she met a lot of people who were probably eligible for benefits but would not apply as they found it "humiliating".

Sue Coulson, 67, from Amble, will be getting winter fuel allowance after Can helped her, but she said she understood why many people would not ask for help.

"A lot of people round here are very independent, and they don't want to talk about money," she said.

"But I have ankylosing spondylitis, inflammation of the spine, so I need warmth, so it was really important for me."

Ms Nicholls said many people in Northumberland were also living in older, less well insulated properties that were harder to heat.

Jacqueline, who asked us not to use her surname, said her 200-year-old house in Upper Coquetdale was "cold and damp".

Her income fell this year following the death of her husband but she still will not get the winter fuel allowance.

"I only heat one room really and my daughter comes here and wraps herself in a big blanket," she said.

"I don't want to move but I may have to."

A government spokesperson said more than one million pensioners would still receive the Winter Fuel Payment while more than 12 million would see their state pension rise by £1,700 "this parliament".

They said: "Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it's right we target support to those who need it most."

You can check your eligibility for pension credit via the government's online calculator.

Information is also available on how to make a claim. There is also a phone line available on weekdays - 0800 99 1234.

Guide to benefits, when you qualify and what to do if something goes wrong, are provided by the independent MoneyHelper website, backed by government.

Benefits calculators are also run by Policy in Practice, and charities Entitledto, and Turn2us.

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