From living with a partner to struggling with bills – The Sun’s top team of experts answer your Winter Fuel questions
THE SUN’S top team of experts are still helping people with their Winter Fuel questions – but here we’ve put together a rundown of readers’ most frequent queries.
Thousands of readers flooded our Winter Fuel SOS helpline looking for support.
We had a top team of experts including The Sun's Tara Evans and Sun Savers editor Lana Clements, as well as experts from Which?, uSwitch, AgeUK and Independent Age.
Ex-pensions minister Steve Webb and retirement expert Baroness Ros Altman were also on hand to help with advice.
Here are the most commonly asked questions with answers from our experts.
Q: IF I already receive Pension Credit, will I get the Winter Fuel Payment this year?
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A: Yes – if you are in receipt of Pension Credit, the Winter Fuel Payment is made automatically.
Most payments arrive in November or December.
If you live in England and Wales you’ll see the payment on your bank statement appear as your National Insurance number followed by “DWP WFP”.
If you live in Northern Ireland it will be your NI number followed by “DFC WFP”.
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You should receive a letter telling you how much you’ll get and which bank account it is being paid into.
If you don’t get a letter, or the money has not been paid in by January 29, contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
Q: I AM receiving Pension Credit. How do I get cheaper water?
A: If you have a water meter and claim certain benefits, including Pension Credit, you may be eligible for the WaterSure scheme.
It would mean your water bills are capped at a lower rate.
Speak to your water company to ask for help.
Q: HOW do I get a cheaper council tax rate? I am on Pension Credit.
A: You may be able to get a discount depending on what version of Pension Credit you receive.
If you get the guaranteed element, then you will be entitled to the maximum discount.
If you get the savings element, then the discount will be lower.
You need to speak to your council directly.
Q: I ALREADY receive Pension Credit. How do I get a free TV licence?
A: You can apply for a free TV licence if you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit.
See
Q: WHAT energy bill help does Pension Credit entitle me to?
A: You may be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount if you get the guaranteed element of Pension Credit.
Your energy firm may also be able to offer you a grant to help pay for energy.
You should call them and ask for help.
Q: IF my income is over the Pension Credit threshold, could I still get the benefit?
A: Potentially, yes. You may still be able to get Pension Credit if you receive other benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or PIP.
You may also be eligible if you have high housing costs, such as service fees.
But the rules are very complex.
You should do a comprehensive benefits check through Age UK.
Q: DO other benefits count as income when it comes to qualifying for Pension Credit?
A: Some do. State Pension and Industrial Injuries benefit are taken into account (i.e. they reduce entitlement to Pension Credit).
Other benefits – disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance – are disregarded, but can mean in some cases that you can get more Pension Credit.
Q: I’M struggling with my energy bill but not eligible for Pension Credit. Can I get help?
A: Speak to your supplier as many have funds for customers who are struggling or on low incomes.
If you are not on a fixed tariff, it may be worth considering one.
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Q: CAN I claim Pension Credit individually if I live with a partner, when I’m eligible based on my own sole income?
A: For Pension Credit claims, if you are single then you claim as a single person.
If you have a partner with whom you share a home then one of you must claim and provide details of your partner.
The combined household income is then assessed.
Both of you need to be over State Pension age.
However, you may be eligible to claim Universal Credit instead.
Q: IF I apply for Pension Credit now, will I get the Winter Fuel Payment?
A: Pension Credit claims can be backdated, if you request it, by up to three months – so you have until December 21 to apply.
This is because you need to be claiming the benefit in the qualifying week of September 16-22, 2024.
Q: If I can’t get pension credit, what other help can I get?
A: You can apply to your local council for help if you’re on a low income. Call them and ask about their ‘household support fund’. Eligibility criteria and the amount you will get varies based on where you live - but some households have got up to £500.
Q: HOW can you check if you are eligible for Pension Credit?
A: To apply, phone the DWP on 0800 99 1234 or visit
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for pension credit or other benefits use our online tool to check, visit .
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You can also call AgeUK’s helpline on 0800 169 65 65. You can contact Independent Age on 0800 319 6789.