During the cold winter months many of us love curling up with a nice hot drink, in our warm homes.
But we know there may be some who struggle with the cost of heating, so I want to let you know that there is Government support out there.
Older people are particularly vulnerable and there is extra Government money available, in addition to any State Pension payments. And if you have parents, relatives or neighbours who might need any of the extra support, please do let them know too.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 each year helps older people keep warm during the winter months, as they get direct help with paying their heating bills. In 2014/15 Winter Fuel Payments benefited almost 12.5 million older people in around 9 million UK households.
Ninety-eight per cent of people get their Winter Fuel Payment automatically because they are receiving another benefit. However, if you need to claim, it is really simple, just call 03459 15 15 15 with your National Insurance number and have your bank details to hand. Once you’ve claimed, you’ll get Winter Fuel Payments automatically every year unless there is a change in your circumstance.
Cold Weather Payments
We also provide Cold Weather Payments for when it gets really cold, if temperatures in your area are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below average for seven consecutive days. You’ll receive this payment of £25 for each seven day period of cold weather automatically if you already receive Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit and are eligible for a payment.
Warm Home Discount
In addition to Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, the Warm Home Discount could provide a further £140 off your electricity bill – with around two million households currently benefitting each year.
The money isn’t paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, usually between September and March. If you are eligible, you should have received a letter saying your account will be credited automatically or telling you how to apply. If you’d like more information, visit our website for more details: www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/what-youll-get
Pension Credit
Many older people on lower incomes are also entitled to Pension Credit and perhaps don’t even realise it. This tops up other income to at least £151.20 for individuals and £230.85 for couples and can make a big difference to your standard of living if you’re eligible. From April 2016 the rates will increase to £155.60 for individuals and £237.55 for couples. These amounts may be higher for people who are severely disabled, have caring responsibilities or have certain housing costs.
Overall, around 2.2 million pensioners claim Pension Credit and we believe many more could be eligible. Older people who have worked hard all their lives, and contributed to our society and economy over many decades, deserve this additional support in their retirement – so I hope as many as possible will apply for our help.
It is vital that people take advantage of the support we can provide. Don’t be too proud to claim Pension Credit, it’s money you’re entitled to! We have made getting Pension Credit as simple as possible – just one free phone call to 0800 991234 can be all it takes to find out if you’re eligible.
Don’t struggle in silence. Be savvy about what’s available to you and make sure you stay warm this winter. And please do pass this message on to any older people you know who might be missing out. I want everyone to get the help we can offer.
2 comments
Comment by Paul posted on
Is pension credit depenfdant on savings?
Comment by DWP Pensions Latest posted on
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit so any income or savings you have are taken into account when calculating entitlement. It is made up of two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. The Savings Credit element has closed for people reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. For details about eligibility for Pension Credit, please visit http://www.gov.uk/pension-credit.