23 February 2005 - Time is running out to claim fuel money
Pensioners who have not yet claimed their Winter Fuel Payment were today urged to do so straight away by Pensions Minister, Malcolm Wicks.
With the weather taking a turn for the worst, pensioners have until the 30th March 2005 to get their applications sent off in order to receive up to £200, or £300 for those aged 80 or over, to help heat their homes over the cold spell.
Mr Wicks said:
“So far this winter over 11.5 million Winter Fuel Payments have been made, with over 2.3 million customers over 80 receiving an extra payment of up to £100.
“However, there are still people out there who haven’t claimed the financial help they are entitled to and so have not had the sting taken out of their winter fuel bills. These are the people that we are encouraging to make an application before the deadline arrives.
“With snow falling in many parts of the country there has never been a more important time to ensure older people have the resources to stay warm.”
The majority of people over 60 get their Winter Fuel Payment automatically, as long as their circumstances haven’t changed since they received last winter's payment or they are in receipt of a state pension or other social security benefit.
But people who are not receiving the state pension or other social security benefit, or who did not receive a payment last year need to make a claim before the 30th March 2005.
People aged 80 or over who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment will also qualify for an additional payment of up to £100 to help towards heating costs. People over 70 are also eligible to receive a One-off 70+ Payment to help with living expenses, including Council Tax bills.
Mr Wicks added:
“It is of course intolerable that any pensioner should have to suffer from the cold this winter, which is why measures like Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments are so important. I believe through these initiatives we are winning the Cold War for Britain’s elderly.
“There are also grants of up to £2,500 available through Warm Front to install new central heating systems for vulnerable households, as well as free advice on how to keep warm from the Winter Warmth Advice line.”
Anyone who thinks they may be entitled to an automatic payment of Winter Fuel Payment which has not yet been received should phone the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 15 15 15. Claim forms are also available at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel
Notes for editors
- Anyone aged 60 or over on or before 26 September 2004 may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.
- Anyone aged 80 or over on or before 26 September 2004 may qualify for an additional payment of £100.
- Most eligible people will get their payment automatically. Eligible people who will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically:
- those who receive a State Retirement Pension or other social security benefit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) in the qualifying week 20-26 September 2004
- those who received a payment last year and whose circumstances have not changed
- Eligible people in care homes who get Winter Fuel Payments will also get an extra payment if they are aged 80 or over in the qualifying week.
- Those people who are newly eligible and who need to claim, and have not already received a claim form, can get one by visiting the Winter Fuel Payment website – www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel, by calling the Helpline on 08459 15 15 15 or tearing off the coupon in national newspaper advertisements. Claim forms must be received by no later than 30 March 2005 for this winter.
- More information on Winter Fuel Payments is available in an information leaflet available from places such as social security offices, welfare organisations and post offices. The leaflet is also on the Pension Service website.
- The Winter Fuel Payment Helpline is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and calls are charged at local rates
- The Keep Warm Keep Well campaign to protect older people from winter-related illnesses and deaths is run by the Department of Health. Call the Winter Warmth Advice Line on 0800 085 7000 for help on keeping warm and staying well in winter. A free Winter Guide is also available from the advice line.
- DEFRA's Warm Front Scheme provides help such as insulation and new central heating to vulnerable households. You can apply or get more information by calling a free phone number - 0800 952 0600.
- Anyone aged 70 or over on or before 26 September 2004 may qualify for the One-off 70+ Payment.
- The One-off 70+ Payment is being paid together with Winter Fuel Payments. People who believe they may be eligible, but who have not yet received a payment, should contact the telephone number below.
- The basic qualifying conditions for the One-off 70+ Payment are the same as those for Winter Fuel Payment. For more details please contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 029 2042 8106.
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