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Pensioners are being urged to check if they are eligible for pension credit to get the winter fuel payment, worth up to £300 per household.
Pension credit
The pension credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year for those who are over the state pension age (66+years), on a low income and would welcome support with heating costs.
It also unlocks additional support including:
- The winter fuel payment and other help with heating costs
- Help with rent and Council Tax
- Help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
- Free TV licence for those over 75 years
Thanks to the pension credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for pension credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months – so long as there is entitlement during that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for a winter fuel payment is 21 December 2024.
If you are state pension age or know someone who is
Pension credit tops up pension income 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 home or have savings.
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.
Check now
Don’t miss out. Check your eligibility:
- Go to gov.uk/pension-credit
- Call 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
You could get the winter fuel payment if you are receiving pension credit.
Find out what you could be eligible for
Councillor Holly Whitbread, responsible for finance and economic development at Epping Forest District Council said:
Unfortunately, the new government has said the winter fuel payment worth up to £300 is now set to be means-tested. But we know there are pensioners receiving pension credit who have not claimed the winter fuel payment yet, and more pensioners who could be eligible for pension credit who are not claiming this benefit at all.
There are many myths that may stop people applying, such as having savings, a pension or owning a home. These are not necessarily barriers to receiving pension credit.
That’s why I am urging anyone of pension age, or their family or friends to check their eligibility via the website or by calling the Depart of Work and Pensions direct.
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