Pensioners have less than a week to claim 'double benefit' worth £4,200 this winter
Pensioners have less than a week to claim up to £4,200 in vital winter support
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Pensioners have less than a week to claim a "double benefit" worth up to £4,200 in vital winter support.
Those eligible for Pension Credit must apply by December 21 to receive this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which could be worth up to £300.
The payment, which helps older people with heating bills, is now means-tested and requires recipients to be claiming Pension Credit.
Successful applicants could receive Pension Credit worth up to £3,900 per year, alongside up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment and additional benefits.
Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy at Advice NI said: "This year, the Qualifying Week was the week commencing Monday 16 September Sunday 22 September. However, due to backdating rules within Pension Credit, you can make a claim and ask for it to be backdated for up to three months if you should have been getting it earlier.
"Therefore the latest date on which people can claim Pension Credit and backdate to secure entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment is December 21, 2024.
Successful applicants could receive Pension Credit worth up to £3,900 per year, alongside up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment and additional benefits
PA"Of course there is the double benefit of not only securing entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment but also securing Pension Credit entitlement. This can be vital income to help older people heat their homes and pay their bills.”
Martin Lewis, the money saving expert also stressed that pensioners must claim and receive Pension Credit to get the Winter Fuel Payment.
He emphasised that while applications after December 21 will ensure eligibility for future payments, this deadline is specifically for securing the 2024/25 payment.
Helen Whately, shadow work and pensions secretary has warned that around 750,000 pensioners risk being "left in the cold" as the Winter Fuel Payments deadline approaches.
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She said: "Labour's pension credit deadline is about to slam shut with 750,000 pensioners left in the cold.
"I'm really worried with just a week to go there are going to be that number of people who won't have managed to get their application in and that means they're going to miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment they so badly need."
She highlighted concerns about people having to choose "whether they can afford to eat or heat."
Pension Credit is a vital benefit that can help pensioners access other help and discounts such as help with housing costs and council tax reductions.
Other benefits include a free TV licence for those aged 75 or over, help with NHS costs, and discounts on the Royal Mail redirection service when moving house.
The scheme also provides access to NHS treatment costs support and Cold Weather Payments during winter months.
Cold Weather Payments offer automatic £25 bank top-ups when temperatures are recorded at or below zero degrees for seven consecutive days.
These payments run from November 1 until the end of March 2025, providing extra support during the coldest months.
To qualify for Pension Credit, applicants must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached state pension age.
Single people can receive top-ups to their weekly income to £218.15, while couples can get up to £332.95 jointly. The standard minimum guarantee will soon increase to £227.10 weekly for single persons and £346.60 for couples next year.
Those with savings under £10,000 won't see their Pension Credit affected, though savings above this amount count towards income. Applications for Pension Credit can be made online through Gov.uk.
Those who do not receive a payment by January 29, 2025 should contact the department.
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