THE Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) was blasted today for having caused undue stress to thousands of older people by sending them wrong information regarding their winter-fuel payment.

The DWP has admitted to sending 59,000 letters containing inaccurate information it says were sent in error.

Each year recipients should get a letter which confirms their estimated payment, as well as the payment date.

But website Money Saving Expert flagged up the issue of erroneous information, reporting that it had been contacted by people whose letters listed either wrong bank details or inaccurate entitlement information.

Jan Shortt, general secretary of the National Pensioners’ Convention, told the Morning Star: “With all the difficulties that older people have gone through since March this year, this only adds to their worries. 

“We all know that mistakes happen and that staff are working under restrictions. However, the DWP should now be making these individuals a priority and doing all they can to get the payment of their allowance through in time for Christmas. 

“The weather is getting colder and for those still in their homes, heating is a big worry anyway without the added complication of not having a payment that goes some way to helping pay fuel bills.”

Labour’s shadow social security minister Karen Buck criticised the government for causing undue stress to older people and said the error was unacceptable.

She said: “We urge the government to urgently reassure those affected they will receive every penny they are entitled to.”

Over-66s are eligible for the payment, due in November and December; they receive between £100 and £300 to pay for heating, depending if they are aged 80 or over, if they live alone, and if they or their partner claim certain benefits.