Winter Fuel Payment deadline plea for pensioners to claim Pension Credit

Thousands more pensioners could receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they claim Pension Credit by the upcoming deadline.

Pensioners could also boost their income on average up to £3,900 a year by claiming the benefit. 

Renfrewshire Council is encouraging pensioners to check if they are entitled to this extra benefit and apply for Pension Credit by the deadline of Sunday 22 September. 

In Renfrewshire, there are around 2,500 households with people over the State Pension age on low incomes who are not claiming Pension Credit. 

Pension Credit tops up the pension of people over the State Pension age who have a low income, helping with rent and other housing costs. It can be claimed even if someone has other income, savings or owns their home. 

People can apply for Pension Credit on the UK Government website. 

Help to complete the form is available from both the Council’s Advice Works team (0300 300 1238) and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (0141 889 2121). Both services can also check if people are entitled to any other benefits and support at the same time. 

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said: “It’s important everyone gets the money they are entitled to, especially when costs for food and energy are much higher than they used to be. Across Renfrewshire, there are thousands of people eligible who aren’t claiming Pension Credit. 

“With the mechanism for who gets the Winter Fuel Payment changing this year, it is important that everyone checks out if they are entitled and gets the support they need to complete the form.” 

Anyone who misses the deadline for Winter Fuel Payment can still claim Pension Credit to get the money they are entitled to. 

Friends and relatives of anyone above State Pension age are encouraged to talk with them about checking if they are entitled to Pension Credit.