Important Changes to Winter Fuel Allowance

As you may be aware the Government has made changes to Winter Fuel Payments, meaning that the majority of pensioners will now lose access to this allowance. To receive an allowance 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 16th-22nd September 2024. You will only need to be eligible for one day during this qualifying week to benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this year. You have until 21st December 2024 to apply for Pension Credit.

You can check if you are eligible for Pension Credit at apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start or you can also call the claim line on 0800 99 1234. You will 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 access more help with this via their advice line 01604 611200 or go to their website at www.ageuk.org.uk

Citizen's Advice hold drop in sessions at the Guildhall on Mondays and Wednesdays 0930-12.30.