Hundreds of thousands of pensioners have just ONE DAY left to apply for key benefit to unlock winter fuel 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.

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.

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.

CHECK IF YOU QUALIFY

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 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.