State pensioners are being urged not to miss a key deadline if they wish to claim £300.
The winter fuel payment is worth £200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958, or £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944.
In order to make sure you get this year’s payment, you will need to submit an online application for Pension Credit by 11.59pm today (December 21).
Pension Credit means you are eligible for other benefits as well as the winter fuel payment. These include a reduction or exemption from Council Tax, a free TV licence if you are over 75, and also help with NHS costs.
It is estimated over 750,000 eligible pensioners have failed to claim Pension Credit and are now being urged to do so. The Government has faced an ongoing backlash for restricting previously universal winter fuel payments of up to £300 to only those on Pension Credit.
The winter fuel payment used to be paid to all those of State Pension age to help with heating bills during the colder months, but in the summerChancellor Rachel Reeves said it would only be paid to the poorest pensioners who were claiming pension credit.
Can I claim Pension Credit?
If you are of state pension age and are on less than £218.15 a week, or £332.95 if you have a partner, then you can claim pension credit.
In order to get the winter fuel payment you will need to be entitled to pension credit on at least one day between September 16 and 22, 2024
Disabled people and carers can still claim even if they have an income above this limit.
Rosie Hooper, chartered financial planner at Quilter Cheviot, said the Freedom of Information (FOI) data the company had obtained appeared to show the DWP had spent just £253,954.92 on advertising spend related to pension credit in a bid to increase take up.
“While it is understandable that the government aims to maintain the savings from cutting the winter fuel payment, it is surprising that only £250,000 has been allocated to the pension credit advertising campaign, given the importance of reaching those in need.
“This amount represents just 0.018 per cent of the £1.4bn saved by cutting the winter fuel payment. Although it is positive that more people are applying for pension credit, many are still missing out.
“Anyone who thinks they may be eligible, or anyone with relatives or loved ones over the state pension age who they believe may be entitled, should check the criteria and ensure their application is submitted before December 21.”
How to claim Pension Credit
First check your eligibility for pension credit via Gov.uk on the pension credit online calculator.
You’ll 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.
You can apply online here.
The Department for Work and Pension’s telephone helpline will also be open on Saturday between 08:00 and 15:15 for those looking for help with their claims on 0800 99 1234.
