Are you, or someone you know eligible for Pension Credit?

Around 10 million pensioners are set to lose winter fuel payments under changes being brought in by the Government.

Until now, all pensioners received the winter fuel payment to help with energy bills and the increased risk that they wouldn't be able to pay for adequate heating. Under the new rules, future payments will only be made to those getting pension credit or other means-tested help.

In West Berkshire alone it is estimated that around 600 pensioners have not yet claimed pension credit or applied to see if they're eligible.

Pension credit is separate from the State Pension and is worth, on average, over £3,900 a year and could provide extra cash to help with living costs to many people who need financial support.

For example, pension credit may give people extra help if they're a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. There is also other help, such as:

• Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
• a Council Tax discount
• a free TV licence if you're aged 75 or over
• help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
• help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
• a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you're moving house

Councillor Patrick Clark, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said, "We really want to make sure that all our local people are claiming the benefits they need and deserve. Without the winter fuel allowance, many pensioners will struggle as the cold weather comes. If you, or a family member or friend are aged 66 or over, please do apply to see if you're eligible for pension credit.

"We know that many people worry that it may affect any benefits they are receiving, but it is totally separate to the State Pension and could really give a much-needed financial boost. Some people are not confident with the application process and we're happy to signpost people to local organisations who can help them with this."

The Department for work and Pensions (DWP) will be sending out letters to pensioner households inviting them to claim if they are eligible. The closing date for applications is 21 December, but we recommend you apply as soon as possible.

If you, or anyone you know needs help to apply for pension credit, in the first instance, please contact your Citizen's Advice West Berkshire https://citizensadvicewestberkshire.org.uk/ or call 01635 516605

Age UK Berkshire https://www.ageuk.org.uk/berkshire/ or call 0118 959 4242

Christians Against Poverty, Newbury Tel: 0800 328 0006

If you are a Housing Association tenant, please contact your Association direct as many have support officers to help with matters such as this.

If you do not have a computer, you can use one free of charge at your local Library. Call 07887 832 360 or find out more here https://www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries

Find more information about pension credit online.

You may also find this short video helpful  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD9e4mAAGdc