Pensioners who receive Council Tax support are being urged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, which would qualify them for the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year, and, as well as access to Winter Fuel Payments, it provides additional benefits, such as reductions in electricity bills and a free TV licence for those over 75. Pensioners need to apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
It is estimated that up to 880,00 households across the UK are missing out on Pension Credit, and the Government has recently announced that only those in most need will receive the Winter Fuel Allowance this year.
Cllr Stephen Harness, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “We are urging all pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which would then make them eligible for the Winter Fuel Payments this year. Many families have become used to the winter payments, which have offered vital extra support for heating their homes through the coldest months, and, whilst the government has reduced them this winter, there is still help available to those in the greatest need.”
To apply for Pension Credit you will 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 3 months ago or the date you reached State Pension age).
You’ll also need your bank account details. Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
Apply online
You can search for Pension Credit – Pension Credit: What you need to know – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This will link you to an online application form for you to complete. If you require digital assistance or use of a computer, you can do this at your local library.
Apply by phone
A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.
Pension Credit claim line: Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Apply by post
To apply by post, you can call the claim line to request a form. Send the claim form to the Pension Service or ask someone to do it for you.
“Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3”
Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp.
Getting some support
You can get advice and support to apply for Pension Credit from Age UK, who offer help and support with:
- Welfare Benefits, Money Matters and Pensions
- Housing Options
- Access to Care at Home
- Local Services and Support
- Assistance in completing forms, including Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Housing Benefit
- A full benefit check, to check your entitlement to any benefits
AGE UK North East Lincolnshire offers office appointments at both the Grimsby & Cleethorpes offices and home visits, where appropriate. These need to be booked in advance so please ring: 01472 344976, its Option 1 for the Grimsby office, and Option 2 for the Cleethorpes office.
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