Check your eligibility for Pension Credit and apply online

While I recognise the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility have been disappointing for many people, it is essential that those people eligible for pension credit sign up by 21 December to ensure they receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

Applications for Pension Credit have gone up by 145% since the government campaign started but many eligible pensioners in Stockport are still not claiming the benefit.

The Labour government has said that they are committed to ensuring that all pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit apply for it in time to also receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300.

Pension Credit itself is worth £4,200 a year on average and also acts as a gateway to other benefits beyond the Winter Fuel Payment. This means even just one pound could passport pensioners to extra help including help with Council tax and Housing Benefit, TV license exemption etc.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible via the Pension Credit Calculator. And pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible.

If my office can help anyone please do get in touch.  I would encourage any pensioner or their loved ones to check their eligibility. It is important that any people on low-income pensions are supported.

In addition, the government has also made other support available, by delivering the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households from October and extending the Household Support Fund with £421 million, to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families. Visit Stockport Council’s Household Support Fund to check if you are eligible for support via the Household Support Fund.

The telephone number for Stockport Support Hub is 0161 474 1042. The Pension Credit helpline can be reached is 0800 731 0469 (freephone).