Pension Credit - winter fuel allowance
Residents who are above state pension age, and receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits, are entitled to a winter fuel payment of up to £300 later this year to help with increased household energy bills over the colder months.
Although this annual payment will be made automatically without a direct claim, the vast majority of those eligible will only receive it if they have first claimed pension credit.
Scam warning
With many families continuin
g to face increased costs of living, people are being reminded about the rising number of text, email and online scams. Trading Standards officers are warning people about two scams in particular.
Winter fuel eligibility scam
In the winter fuel eligibility scam, this fake text pretends to be from the Home Office regarding winter heating subsidies. Benefits like this are managed by the Department for Work and Pensions, who will never contact people this way. This is a trick to steal people's personal information and bank account details.
Cost of living payments scam
In the cost of living payments scam, the message claims people are eligible for cost of living payments and asks for their bank details via a link. This is a scam and government agencies will never ask for peoples bank details for council funding.
Both scams include dangerous links and officers are warning people not to click them. These texts are scams designed to steal personal details.
Check your eligibility
You can check your eligibility for pension credit via the government's online calculator.
How to make a claim
Information is available on how to make a claim.
A phone line is also available on weekdays - 0800 99 1234.
When should I apply?
You can apply now. The last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit, to make sure you can receive this year’s winter fuel payment, is Saturday, 21 December 2024.
Further information
Potteries Silver is a North Staffordshire pensioners' convention project.
They have a lot of information about pension credit on their web site.
You can also contact them:
- Address: Suite 9A, The Forecourt, 12 Albion Street, Hanley, ST1 1QH