We’re in our eighties and fear we will die from cold without the Winter Fuel Payment

DEAR DEIDRE: I FEAR my husband and I will die from cold without the Winter Fuel Payment.

We’re both in our eighties and have worked hard since we were 15.

We’ve never claimed benefits – my dad always said, “Never pick up a wage packet you haven’t earned”.

My husband paid into a pension all his life but now we’re not in the best of health, it doesn’t cover the cost of heating.

I’m scared.

DEIDRE SAYS: The way Winter Fuel Payment is allocated has changed. From this year, house­holds won’t receive it unless they also get Pension Credit or certain other means-tested aid.

Check if you are eligible for Pension Credit. Pen­sioners whose weekly in­come is less than £218.15 for a single person, or £332.95 for a couple, should be able to claim it.

It’s worth on average almost £50 a week and opens doors to other financial help, including the Winter Fuel Payment.

To find out more, use the free benefits calculator on the Age UK site (benefits check.ageuk.org.uk).