CLAIM IT
Freebie worth £150 you can get on the state pension in November – are you eligible?
Watch our video to find out how you can save on your energy bills this winter
THOSE over state pension age could save £150 a year by claiming a freebie.
Many pensioners are facing hardship this winter after access to the Winter Fuel Payment was cut - but there are other ways to boost your budget if you get state pension.
1
According to charity Age UK, billions of pounds' of benefits go unclaimed every year, so it's worth checking what support you might be entitled to using the charity's .
The £150 warm home discount is available to pensioners and those on low incomes.
There are two Warm Home Discount schemes - one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland.
Those living in England and Wales do not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do.
READ MORE IN MONEY
Between now and December, the government will issue letters to households that qualify for the scheme.
However, to be eligible for the discount, you must have claimed one of nine means-tested benefits on a specific date in August.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which administers the £150 Warm Home Discount, says households must have had an active claim for any of the following benefits on Sunday, August 11:
- Guaranteed credit element of pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
- The "Savings Credit" part of pension credit
Most read in Money
However, even if you weren't receiving pension credit on the qualifying date of August 11, there's a trick you can follow to ensure that you get the extra cash later.
This is because your eligibility for certain benefits can be backdated.
Could you be eligible for Pension Credit?
For example, successful pension credit claims can be backdated by three months.
The latest figures show that a whopping 760,000 people are eligible but haven't made a claim.
As well as missing out on a £300 winter fuel payment, they won't get the £150 Warm Home Discount payment.
So you'll need to launch your claim by Sunday, November 10 and then successfully get it backdated to cover the August 11 Warm Home Discount qualifying date.
To find out more, visit gov.uk/pension-credit.
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.
Key Warm Home Discount dates in England and Wales
Households in England and Wales will get a letter between October 2024 and early January 2025 telling you:
- You're eligible and you'll get the discount automatically
- You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
- The letter will tell you to call the helpline by 29 February 2024 to confirm your details.
If you don't get the letter by early January 2024 and you think you're eligible, you need to call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.
If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025.
What about Scotland?
In Scotland there's a "core group" that'll receive an automatic payment and a "broader group" which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider.
You'll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply.
The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.
How is it paid?
If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of your bill, the £150 Warm Home Discount will usually be added to your electricity account as a credit.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Once it has been applied, it will show on your next bill.
If you have a traditional prepayment meter, your energy supplier will send you a letter explaining how you'll get your discount.
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 vary 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].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Topics