TO YOUR BENEFIT
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners have just ONE DAY left to apply for key benefit to unlock winter fuel payment
Pension Credit applications made now could still grant access to the key payment
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioner have just one day left to apply for a key benefit that will allow to receive the winter fuel payment this year.
If pensioners apply for Pension Credit today they could still be eligible to receive they key payment, which is worth up to £300.
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The winter fuel payment was available to everyone aged 66 and over.
However, cuts introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves now restrict the payment to retirees receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.
But, it is estimated that more than 760,000 eligible individuals have not claimed Pension Credit payments, which would allow them to claim this year's winter fuel payment.
To be eligible for this year's payment, you must have had an active claim for any of these benefits during the "qualifying week," which ran from September 16-22.
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However, due to a little-known loophole, there is still time for pensioners to apply for pension credit and qualify for the winter fuel payment.
This is because new claims for pension credit can be backdated by up to three months.
This means that the absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify for this year's winter fuel payment is Saturday, December 21.
Of course, if you fail to apply for the benefit before this date, you won't qualify for this year's £300.
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Could you be eligible for Pension Credit?
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Pension credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This is known as "guarantee credit".
If your income is lower than this, you're very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:
- Attendance allowance
- The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
- The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
- Armed forces independence payment
- The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.
You could get the "savings credit" part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
- You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
- You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.
Claims for pension credit also open doors to a number of freebies and discounts.
For example, pension credit claimants over 75 qualify for a free TV licence worth up to £169.50 a year.
Claims for the benefit also provide eligibility to £25 a week cold weather payments and the £150 warm home discount.
The deadline to apply for pension credit and qualify for this year's winter fuel payment is December 21.
How do I apply for pension credit?
YOU can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you'll need to be with them when they do.
You'll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
You can also check your eligibility online by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit first.
If you claim after you reach pension age, you can backdate your claim for up to three months.
How much is the winter fuel payment and how is it paid?
Payments last year were worth between £300 and £600, depending on your specific circumstances.
This is because the amount included a "Pensioner Cost of Living Payment" - between £150 and £300.
This year, it will be worth £200 for eligible households or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.
That means you could receive up to £300 in free cash depending on your circumstances.
Most payments are made automatically in November or December.
You'll get a letter telling you:
- How much you'll get
- Which bank account it will be paid into
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Other energy support available
If you're struggling with energy costs but do not qualify for the winter fuel payment there are other ways to access support.
The Warm Home Discount is available to homes on low incomes or in receipt of certain benefits.
The one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill is administered by energy companies, so if you think you should qualify speak to your provider.
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 would involve paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you're going to struggle to pay, always speak to them again to try and negotiate a manageable timetable.
Many energy firms also have schemes available to help customers who have fallen into debt.
Firms, including British Gas and Octopus Energy, are offering grants and other support.
There could be as much as £2,000 support available but each firm has different schemes and different criteria to access help so make sure you contact your provider to find out what support is on offer.
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Thousands of vulnerable households are also missing out on help by not signing up to the Priority Services Register.
It can provide advanced notice of blackouts, free safety checks and other support.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity works out what you could get.
Entitledto's determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data.
You can use to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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