Winter Fuel Payment alert: Only days left for pensioners to claim £300 energy bill support as deadline looms

Elderly people on low incomes have just days remaining to claim Pension Credit if they want to receive a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300. The crucial deadline, marked for Saturday, December 21, has been set for those hoping to secure the energy bill benefit, which could provide more than £3,900 annually to eligible pensioners.

Up to 880,000 people could be missing out on this vital support, which helps low-income state pensioners with costs including fuel and housing. Claims must be submitted for the qualifying week of September 16 to September 22, though they can be backdated up to three months.

The urgency comes after recent changes made the Winter Fuel Payment means-tested, meaning pensioners no longer receive it automatically. Pension Credit provides a significant income boost, topping up weekly income to £218.15 for single people and £332.95 for couples.

The benefit includes additional support for those with severe disabilities, carers, or those responsible for children or young people. For those who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016, a savings credit element may be available, worth £17.01 weekly for singles or £19.04 for couples.

Applicants can check their eligibility using the online calculator at gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator or by calling 0800 99 1234. The average Pension Credit award amounts to over £3,900 per year, making it a substantial support package for eligible pensioners.

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Pension Credit unlocks access to several additional benefits beyond direct financial support. Recipients can receive free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses. Those over 75 years old can also qualify for a free TV licence through the scheme.

The benefit operates as a gateway to other forms of financial assistance, including the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300. Eligibility typically requires income below the standard thresholds, though exceptions exist for those with severe disabilities or caring responsibilities.

Even those with higher incomes might still qualify if they have specific circumstances such as housing costs or disability needs. Claims can be made online through the government website, by telephone, or by completing a paper application form.

To apply for Pension Credit, applicants need several key pieces of information ready. These include their National Insurance number and details about any income, savings and investments they have.

Bank, building society or credit union account details will also be required during the application process.

Applications can be made up to four months before reaching state pension age.

Those wishing to apply can do so through three main routes: online through the Government website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing and completing a paper form.

Applicants will need to provide information about their financial situation both currently and for the date they want to backdate their application to.

The backdating period is typically three months or to the date of reaching state pension age.

Ranjit Blythe, managing director of the Cadent Foundation, has previously highlighted the growing concerns among pensioners affected by the changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance.

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“Our frontline colleagues continue to witness first-hand the growing anxiety amongst pensioners who may no longer be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments,” Blythe shared.

The managing director noted that with fuel poverty impacting over six million people across the country, the up to £300 in energy bill support has been crucial for many.

This provides access to energy efficient appliances and energy saving guidance through partners like Groundwork’s Green Doctors and Citizens Advice.

“The solution to fuel poverty shouldn’t just focus on quick fixes, but long-term solutions that tackle the root causes of the issue,” he added.