HELPING HAND
Warning for thousands to apply for key benefit before winter fuel payment deadline – plus unlock £150 extra bill help
We reveal the key dates you need to make a note of in your diary
THOUSANDS of households are being warned to apply for a key benefit before the winter fuel payment deadline.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said it has received 38,500 pension credit claims in the last five weeks.
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The rise in claims began after July 29, the date when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel allowance for pensioners would be limited to only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
It represents a 115% increase in pension credit claims received by the department in the past five weeks compared to the five weeks before when there were 17,900 claims.
As many as ten million elderly are now expected to go without the £300 this winter.
But for those who haven't yet applied for the benefit, the first deadline to ensure they get the bill support is fast approaching.
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To qualify for this year's winter fuel payment, you must have been claiming pension credit or any of the benefits listed above during the qualifying week.
This will take place between September 16 and 22.
If people want to claim over the phone, they’ll need to do so by Friday, September 20.
Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director at Age UK said: "Claiming pension credit is the main pensioner benefit that also qualifies people for a Winter Fuel Payment, so we really do urge anyone who is feeling the pinch to come forward and check if they’re eligible for extra help this winter."
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But Age UK is households that if they miss the first deadline to apply, they will have another opportunity to get the winter fuel payment.
You can apply for Pension Credit at any time, and should do so as soon as possible if you qualify, as it is a gateway for many other benefits.
Save money on your energy bills with these cold weather tips
When you do apply, you can backdate the claim by up to three weeks.
That means if you want to receive the winter fuel payment, the last date you can apply from is December 21.
Claiming pension credit does impact your state pension as the benefit is intended to give you extra money to help with your living costs if you are aged 66 or over.
Pension Credit also entitles households to the Warm Home Discount - an automatic £150 discount on energy bills, and payments.
It is made between October and March each year.
The money isn't paid to you but is applied as credit on your bill.
It comes after The Sun revealed that the government is committed to keeping the £150 energy bill help.
What will I get when I claim Pension Credit?
SOME people will receive thousands of pounds once they claim Pension Credit, while others will be given just pennies.
But it is still worth making a claim either way as it opens the door to more financial help.
Once you claim Pension Credit you may receive:
- Housing Benefit if you rent - worth thousands a year.
- Mortgage Interest support - on up to £100,000 of your mortgage or loan.
- Council tax discount - worth thousands each year.
- Free TV licence if you are aged over 75 - worth £169.50 a year.
- NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments help.
- Royal Mail redirection service discount - worth up to £48.
- Warm Home Discount if you get Guaranteed Pension Credit - worth £150.
- Cold Weather Payment - worth £25 for every seven day period of cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
- Winter Fuel Allowance - worth up to £300 a year.
How to check your Pension Credit eligibility
For those who are unsure if they can get access to the help, you can use the government's Pension Credit Calculator.
This is available on the Gov.uk website and you have to put in your personal details to see if you qualify or not.
Before you begin the process you will need details of your earnings, benefits, pensions, savings and investments.
If you have a partner you must put in their details as well.
Applications for pension credit can also be made by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you'll need to be with them when they do.
You'll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
If you claim after you reach pension age, you can backdate your claim for up to three months.
Crucial to claim Pension Credit if you can
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
The Sun's Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it's imperative to apply for the benefit..
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK's poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don't claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment - worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit - it's more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It's not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
How much can I get?
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This works out as £2,617 if you are living alone or £3,995 if you have a partner.
This is known as "guarantee credit".
It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
To qualify for this year's winter fuel payment, you must have been claiming pension credit payments during the qualifying week.
This will take place between September 16 and 22.
With this in mind, it's wise to put in an application as soon as possible, as the DWP can take up to two months to process new claims.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment worth?
Payments last year were worth between £300 and £600, depending on your specific circumstances.
This is because the amount included a "Pensioner Cost of Living Payment" - between £150 and £300.
This year, it will be worth £200 for eligible households or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.
That means you could receive up to £300 in free cash depending on your circumstances.
Most payments are made automatically in November or December.
You’ll get a letter telling you:
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- How much you'll get
- Which bank account it will be paid into
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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