Kislingbury News

Important Changes to Winter Fuel Allowance – Deadline to Claim 21st December 2024

Due to recent changes in policy, in order to be able to receive the Winter Fuel Payment this winter pensioners will need to be in receipt of Pension Credit.

The Parish Council wishes to highlight that getting Pension Credit can mean an additional weekly sum of £218.15 for a single person and £332.95 for a 2-person household. If you receive a disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance you can get an extra £81.50 per week, so it is well worth applying for.

You can access information by searching Citizens’ Advice Pension Credit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/pension-credit/

The easiest way to apply is by phone. The Pension Credit Claim Line is 0800 99 1234.

Sarah Bool MP has written the following letter to all residents urging them to apply for Pension Credit in order to be able to receive the Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

Important Changes to Winter Fuel Allowances

Sarah Bool MP has written the following letter to residents urging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit so that they are eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

Dear Resident,

As you will be aware, the Government has made changes to Winter Fuel Payments, meaning that the majority of pensioners will now lose access to this allowance. Whilst I voted to oppose these changes, given its passage through the House of Commons, it is crucial to me that those who remain eligible for assistance are fully informed and able to access the support.

To receive a Winter Fuel Payment, you will now need to qualify via means testing. That means testing will be based on whether you are eligible for Pension Credit or not during the week of
16 – 22 September 2024. You only need to be eligible for one day during this qualifying week to benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

You have until 21 December 2024 to apply for Pension Credit, which is the last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

It is really important that you check whether you, or a loved one, might be eligible for Pension Credit.
You can do this online at: https://apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start

You can also call the claim line on 0800 99 1234. You’ll need the following details to hand:

•⁠ ⁠Your National Insurance number.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Your bank account details.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Information about your income, savings and investments.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Information about your pension (if you have one).
•⁠ ⁠⁠Details of any housing costs (such as service charges or ground rent) and your partner’s details (if relevant).

You can call Age UK Northamptonshire to get more help on this via their advice line on 01604
611200, or go online to their website at https://ageuk.org.uk

Citizens Advice hold drop-in sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays 0930-1230 in the
Northampton Guildhall.

Please do get in touch via email at sarah.bool.mp@parliament.uk or via phone on 01327 353124
if you have any further questions.

Sarah Bool MP
Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire

View printable copy of the letter


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