23 August 2007 - Claim your Winter Fuel Payment to keep warm this winter
Minister for Pensions Reform Mike O’Brien has urged older people to get their applications for Winter Fuel Payments in now to ensure they receive help heating their home before Christmas.
Mike O’Brien said:
“Older people shouldn’t have to worry about heating their home. Over eight million households will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment this winter, with those containing someone aged over 80 receiving £300.
“Successful applications received by 21 September 2007 will get their payment in time for Christmas.
“We don’t want anyone to miss out on the help they are entitled to. If you haven’t received a Winter Fuel Payment before – and are not receiving State Pension or another social security benefit – you need to apply.”
People who normally receive the payment automatically, but have had a change of circumstances since last years payment, must contact The Pension Service to ensure their payments continue. This could include a change in bank account, a new address or a change in benefit entitlement.
A Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help people aged 60 plus.
The final deadline for completed claim forms for this winter is 30 March 2008.
Notes to Editors
- Anyone aged 60 or over on or before 23 September 2007 may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of £200 per household. Households with someone aged 80 or over could get a payment of £300.
- The Winter Fuel Payment is one of a number of initiatives the government has introduced to help older people keep warm and well during the winter months. Other measures include grants to improve home heating and energy efficiency which are available from DEFRA’s Warm Front scheme, see www.warmfront.co.uk or call free phone 0800 316 2805.
- Eligible people who will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically
include:
- those who received a payment last year and whose circumstances have not changed.
- those who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before but will receive a State Pension or other social security benefit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) in the qualifying week 17-23 September 2007
- 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 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users).
- For those who need to claim and wish to receive their Winter Fuel Payment before Christmas, we must receive their correctly completed claim form by 21 September 2007
Media Enquiries: Ben Lloyd, 020 3267 5136; Victoria Hatchett
020 3267 5121, or Lynn Eccles 020 3267 5141
Press office: 020 3267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk