Are you eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment? You could receive up to £300 this winter!
Many pensioners haven’t claimed yet, but by applying for Pension Credit before 21st December 2024, you could secure your payment. Don’t miss out—click here to check your eligibility!
About Pension Credit
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is emphasising the importance of applying for Pension Credit, which not only provides additional financial support but also acts as a gateway to securing the Winter Fuel Payment.
- Pension Credit is available to those with a weekly income below £218.15 for single individuals or £332.95 for couples.
- Despite this, an estimated 880,000 households eligible for Pension Credit have yet to claim it.
- This benefit can significantly increase a pensioner’s income, with an average annual boost of £3,900.
- Moreover, it offers access to other forms of financial aid, including help with housing costs, council tax, and heating bills.
- There are common misconceptions about eligibility.
- For instance, having savings, owning a home, or receiving a private pension does not necessarily disqualify someone from receiving Pension Credit.
How to claim Pension Credit
You can apply for Pension Credit via these methods:
- On the How to Claim page
- Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1800 hrs)
- Print out and fill in a paper application form
- Find more information on the Pension Credit GOV.UK page.
About the Winter Fuel Payment
As winter approaches, it’s crucial for pensioners to check if they are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, a benefit worth up to £300 per household, designed to help with heating costs during the colder months.
If you reached State Pension age before 23rd September 2024 and are receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, Income based JSA, Income related ESA and Universal Credit, you’ll be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment – dependent on eligibility conditions.
How to claim the Winter Fuel Payment
Pensioners are encouraged to use the DWP’s online calculator to quickly determine their eligibility and the potential amount they could receive.
- The £300 benefit applies to households with someone aged 80 or over. Households with persons aged 66-79 will receive £200.
- The qualifying week in 2024 for Winter Fuel Payments will be from 16 to 22 September.
- To ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment, eligible pensioners must apply for Pension Credit by December 21, allowing sufficient time for a backdated claim.
This winter, checking eligibility and applying for these benefits could provide essential support to help pensioners manage their heating bills during the colder months.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
