Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment

We are continuing to encourage people over the state pension age to check their eligibility with the Government for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they’re over State Pension age and on a low income.

Checking entitlement is easy with the government online calculator.

In addition to Pension Credit, those who qualify could also receive Winter Fuel Payment and other support such as help with housing costs, help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

If someone was born before 23 September 1958 they could get either £200 or £300 to help them pay their heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a Winter Fuel Payment. People may be eligible if they or their partner get certain benefits.

Due to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible for people to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to three months. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024. The administration of both the Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment is done by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

To raise awareness, the DWP recently wrote to all pensioners who are in receipt of Housing Benefit but are not claiming Pension Credit. In addition, Wiltshire Council sent a letter to those local residents who are claiming Council Tax Reduction but not claiming Pension Credit who could be eligible.