Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment deadline looming
Advice NI is urging older people to check their eligibility for Pension Credit and ensure they protect entitlement to their Winter Fuel Payment by claiming by 21st December, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.
A Winter Fuel Payment can help people over state retirement age with their heating bills. If you are eligible, you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills this winter. However, as a result of Government changes, the Winter Fuel Payment is now means-tested and so entitlement depends on being in receipt of a means-tested benefit, usually Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is a means tested benefit for people who have reached state retirement age. It is worked out by comparing your income (including savings) with what the law says you need to live on.
Pension Credit will top up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single & for couples it will top up your joint weekly income to £332.95. If your income is higher, you may still be entitled to Pension Credit because of your individual circumstances, for example if you have a disability, if you are a carers or if you have housing costs.
Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy at Advice NI explained the looming deadline:
“Usually in order to secure entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment, you have to be in receipt of Pension Credit in what is called the Winter Fuel Payment ‘Qualifying Week’. This year, the ‘Qualifying Week’ was the week commencing Monday 16th September – Sunday 22nd September.
However due to backdating rules within Pension Credit, you can make a claim and ask for it to be backdated for up to 3 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 21st December 2024.
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.”
If you live in Northern Ireland and need help to check your eligibility for Pension Credit and make a claim, please contact Advice NI or your local independent advice provider, all the details are available at www.adviceni.net , www.adviceni.net/local-advice, or you can ring 0800 915 4604.