Wiltshire Council is encouraging people over the state pension age to check their eligibility with the Government for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Checking entitlement is easy with the government online calculator, which can be found at www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.
In addition to Pension Credit, those who qualify could also receive Winter Fuel Payment and other support such as help with housing costs, help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.
If someone was born before 23 September 1958, they could get either £200 or £300 to help them pay their heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a Winter Fuel Payment. People may be eligible if they or their partner get certain benefits.
Due to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible for people to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to three months. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024. The administration of both the Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment is done by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance said: “We are asking those that could be eligible, or know someone who might, to check the details on the Government website and see what’s required as we wouldn’t want anyone who might be eligible to miss out on money that could potentially make things that little bit easier this winter.
“For those who might be eligible for Pension Credit, the latest date to apply and still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December, so I’d urge anyone to look into it before then.”
To raise awareness, the DWP recently wrote to all pensioners who are in receipt of Housing Benefit but are not claiming Pension Credit. In addition, Wiltshire Council sent a letter to those local residents who are claiming Council Tax Reduction but not claiming Pension Credit who could be eligible.
More information on the Winter Fuel Payment can be found at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
More information on Pension Credit can be found at www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
The Government Pension Credit claim line is 0800 99 1234.
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