A major change to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment means that to get the allowance that’s worth up to £300, you must also receive Pension Credit. If you don’t currently get Pension Credit but think you could be eligible, it’s vital to check now and apply, otherwise you could miss out.
Pension Credit tops up pension incomes and can help with day to day living costs. If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your own home or have savings.
People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:
• The Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating costs
• Help with rent and Council Tax
• A free TV licence for those aged 75 or over
• Help with the costs of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.
You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95. Qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances, for example, if you receive a disability benefit.
Check your eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.
DON’T DELAY!!! – to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, you must have been eligible for Pension Credit during the ‘qualifying week’ of 16 to 22 September 2024. Since Pension Credit can be backdated by three months, the last date you can make a claim for Pension Credit and still get the Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024.
It takes between six and eight weeks to process new Pension Credit claims, due to high volumes of applications. But as long as you apply by 21 December, and your claim is successful, you will get the Winter Fuel Payment.
If you would like help to check whether you might be entitled to claim Pension Credit, help with the claiming process or with any other issue, contact your local Citizens Advice:
Ring our free Adviceline on 0808 278 7962 (option 4) – Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4pm
Call into one of our drop in sessions at the Eden Centre: Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm
Email us anytime at enquiries@edenbridgecab.cabnet.org.uk
Appointments also available in Westerham
The Friends of Citizens Advice Edenbridge & Westerham
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