Check your Pension Credit eligibility now

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is urging older people on low and modest incomes to check whether they’re eligible for Pension Credit, to be assured of keeping their Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

Older people living on low and modest incomes had been told they had only until 22 September to apply for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment this year. However, many people are unaware that successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated by up to three months, so there is actually more time to make a claim for those people who had found they were unable to meet that first deadline.

Rob Smith, Information & Advice Manager at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin says: ‘If you claim Pension Credit after you reach State Pension age, the very last day you could claim, and guarantee that you will get three months backdating to bring you within the qualifying week to also get a Winter Fuel Payment, would be 21 December 2024.’

‘If people want to claim over the phone, they’ll need to do so by Friday 22 September. Following the Chancellor’s announcement in July, older people will only receive a Winter Fuel Payment this year if they were born before 23 September 1958 and claim Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits by the qualifying week of 16-22 September.’

‘With energy bills set to rise by 10% from 1 October, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is urging older people living on a low income to check if they’re entitled to any financial help to pay their household bills and stay warm at home.’

Pension Credit is known as the gateway benefit for pensioners, as it opens the doors to a wide range of additional support. A successful claim for Pension Credit also means extra help with energy bills and other essential living costs.

For those online, a quick and easy way to check benefit entitlement can be found on the national Age UK website: benefitscheck.ageuk.org.uk/Home/Start/