State pensioners across the UK have just one month left to claim an extra £332 that will entitle them to get this year’s £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
Pension Credit is a benefit issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people over State Pension age and on a low income to help with essential living costs.
It tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner, and you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify.
The benefit is worth £3,900 per year on average and it serves as a gateway to a wealth of other financial support, including a Council Tax discount, Housing Benefit and a free TV licence, among others.
Around 880,000 eligible pensioners are currently missing out on the benefit which would grant them automatic entitlement to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300.
It was announced in July this year by the new Labour government that the Winter Fuel Payment will now be means-tested, rather than a universal benefit, meaning only people on certain benefits will get it – and this includes Pension Credit.
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born before September 23, 1958, live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and have been claiming one of the following benefits in the qualifying week from September 16 to 22, 2024:
Pensioners who are yet to submit a claim for Pension Credit to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment must do so before the deadline of December 21, 2024. This is the last date for making a backdated claim to ensure you receive the £300 from the DWP.
You’ll need your National Insurance number, information about any income, savings and investments you have and your bank details to apply.
Applications can be made online via GOV.UK, by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234, or by sending a claim form by post to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3.
