Don’t be left in the cold this winter

So, make sure you check your entitlement and don’t miss out on extra financial help towards your heating costs.

At the moment everyone born before 25 September 1957 is eligible for a winter fuel payment, but this winter it will only be sent to those households with a pensioner receiving one of the following:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

It is estimated that over 800,000 pensioners nationwide are eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it, which means that lots of people in need will also miss out on their winter fuel payment.

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is an income-related benefit which gives extra money in retirement. If you have reached state pension age it is quick and easy to check if you are entitled to receive this minimum level of income for day to day living.

There are two parts to Pension Credit - you may be eligible for one or both parts depending on your income and when you started receiving your state pension.

Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount:

• £218.15 if you’re single
• £332.95 if you have a partner (who has reached state pension age)

Savings Credit is a small top-up for people who have a modest amount of income or savings. It’s only available if you reached state pension age before 6 April 2016.

There is no savings limit for Pension Credit but if you have savings over £10,000 this will reduce the amount you get.

If you are eligible for the Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit you will automatically qualify for:

• Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction (but you will need to make a separate claim)
• A free TV Licence if you are 75 or over
• Warm Homes Discount
• Cold weather payments
• Free dental treatment
• A voucher for glasses/contact lenses

You can make a claim online or you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Textphone 0800 169 0133).