Council 'proactively' contacts another 275 pensioners over winter support

In August, following changes to Winter Fuel Payment, Telford & Wrekin Council said it wrote to almost 600 older residents in the borough who it believed may be entitled to Pension Credit but were not claiming it, to encourage them to do so.

Now, the Council has identified a further 275 people through analysis of financial care assessments who could qualify for Pension Credit but aren’t claiming it, so has written to these residents to let them know they could be entitled to this benefit too.

Claiming Pension Credit also entitles households to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300, to help towards fuel bills during the colder months, and can also be a ‘gateway’ benefit for other support too, including help towards council tax and housing costs, as well as free TV licences for over 75s.

Councillor Kelly Middleton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthier, Safer & Stronger Communities and Partnerships, said: “We’re committed to supporting our older residents in the borough and want to make sure they’re getting all the help they’re entitled to. Back in August we wrote to almost 600 people to encourage them to claim Pension Credit, and we’ve now proactively identified a further 275 people who we’re contacting to urge them to claim as well.

“Pension Credit is extra money to help pensioners on a low income who may qualify even if they own their own home, have a pension or savings. It’s also a gateway benefit to much more, including the Winter Fuel Payment, so it’s important that people claim it if they can.”

Pension Credit is extra money to help with living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income. It tops up the weekly income of single people to £218.15, or £332.95 if in a couple and is worth on average £3,900 a year. The support is means-tested but people may be eligible even if they own their own home or have savings.

The deadline to make a backdated claim for Pension Credit and still receive the Winter Fuel Payment is December 21, 2024. 

 Eligible pensioners can apply on the Government’s website or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Charities such as Citizens Advice or Age UK can also help people fill in the form.

More information about help and support available to pensioners in Telford and Wrekin can be found at www.telford.gov.uk/pensioners