State pensioners hit with urgent deadline to get £300 Winter Fuel Payment from DWP
Thousands of people across the UK are missing out on a government benefit that will secure them a £300 Winter Fuel Payment, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned.
Around 1.4 million pensioners are already getting Pension Credit, which provides extra money to help with living costs to those over State Pension age and on a low income, but an estimated 880,000 eligible households are yet to submit a claim.
The DWP is urging people to apply for the benefit ahead of the looming December deadline to ensure they get the £300 handout this winter.
Read more: DWP issues Universal Credit warning ahead of major benefits change
The benefit 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. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify.
Pension Credit is worth £3,900 on average per year and it can serve as a gateway to other financial help, including the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.
Under the new Labour government Pension Credit is set to be means-tested, rather than a universal benefit, and will be delivered to those claiming Pension Credit to ensure it’s targeted to those most in need.
In addition, if you’re eligible for Pension Credit you can also get:
Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
a Council Tax discount
a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
Pensioners who are yet to submit a claim are being urged to do so before the deadline of December 21, 2024. This is the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit to ensure you receive the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “It is imperative that those eligible get the support they need this winter, which is why the government will do everything it can to roll out Pension Credit, making sure as many people as possible qualify for the up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment.”
To apply for Pension Credit you’ll need your National Insurance number, information about any income, savings and investments you have, and your bank details.
Applications can be made online via the government website , 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.