Pension Credit £300 winter fuel payment deadline 'fast approaching' and you may need to apply early

Pensioners are being urged to apply for Pension Credit to secure an extra payment of up to £300 ahead of a rapidly approaching deadline. To qualify for this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which could be either £200 or £300, applications must be completed by December 21 so you can backdate your claim by three months and still be eligible for the payment.

It's crucial to note that those opting to apply via telephone will need to do so by December 20 since the service operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. The number to call is 0800 99 1234.

The average Pension Credit claim amounts to over £3,900 per year on support. Yet hundreds of thousands of people are potentially missing out, despite a recent Government initiative aiming to raise awareness.

Derby City Council has issued a stark reminder to its locals: "We are urging pensioners across the UK to act now and apply for Pension Credit, a vital benefit that could provide an average of £3,900 per year. Time is running out to submit your application to ensure eligibility for backdated payments and the Winter Fuel Payment."

The benefit tops up your weekly income to:

• £218.15 if you’re single

• £332.95 for couples.

However, even if your income exceeds these thresholds, you may still be eligible as there are additional payments on top of the standard income supplement, depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you have a severe disability, you can receive an extra £81.50 per week, while if you care for another adult who receives certain benefits, you can get an additional £45.60 per week.

If you're responsible for a child or young person, you can receive an extra £66.29 per week, or £76.79 per week for the first child, if they were born before April 6, 2017. Additional amounts are available if the child or young person is disabled.

The income supplement and these extra amounts are known as the 'Guarantee Credit' part of your claim, and you can also receive an extra 'Savings Credit' portion if you have retirement savings. This pays £17.01 for single claimants and £19.04 per week for couples.

Claiming this benefit also grants access to other Government support, such as a free TV licence for over 75s and assistance towards NHS medical costs if you receive the Guarantee Credit portion. You must be of state pension age to apply, but you don't need to be claiming your state pension to qualify.