PENSIONERS have just one month remaining to claim an extra £332.95 that will entitle them to receive an up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
The funds can be claimed by anyone over the age of 66 who are entitled to Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is a vital benefit which is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners, but as many as 880,000 eligible people are believed to be missing out.
The benefit is currently worth up to £218.15 a week if you are single or £332.95 if you are in a couple.
Pension Credit also gives automatic entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300.
In July, the government announced the Winter Fuel Payment would become means tested, meaning only those on certain benefits including Pension Credit would be eligible.
Previously, the annual payment was available to everyone aged at least 66 – the current state pension age.
People on Pension Credit, Income Support, Tax Credits and Universal Credit remain eligible for the payment, but 10million people will lose it.
To qualify for this year’s benefit, you must have had an active claim for one of the qualifying benefits during what’s known as the “qualifying week” – this year, that was from September 16 to 22.
However, Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, so those who think they may be eligible still have a month to claim.
As long as claims are made by December 21, successful applicants can gain access to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Even if you think you’re not eligible, it’s worth double checking as even a small Pension Credit claim could boost your bank balance.
When it comes to the Winter Fuel Payment, the amount you receive depends on your age.
If you are aged between 66 and 79, you will get £200, while those aged 80 and over will receive £300.
Pension Credit is a government benefit designed to top up your weekly income if you are a state pensioner with low earnings.
There are two parts to the benefit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.
Savings Credit is extra money you get if you have some savings or your income is above the basic full state pension amount – £169.50.
Savings Credit is only available to people who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016.
Usually, you only qualify for Pension Credit if your income is below the £218.15 or £332.95 thresholds.
However, you can sometimes be eligible for Savings Credit or Guarantee Credit if your income is above the threshold, depending on your circumstances.
For example, if you are suffering from a severe disability and claiming Attendance Allowance, as well as other benefits, you can get an extra £81.50 a week.
Meanwhile, you can get either an extra £66.29 a week or £76.79 a week for each child you’re responsible and caring for.
The rules behind who qualifies for Pension Credit can be complicated, so the best thing to do is check.
You can do this by using the Government’s Pension Credit calculator on its website.
But, be careful, more than a third of Pension Credit applications were rejected last year, according to official figures seen by The Sun.
In response The Sun asked experts for their tips on completing a successful application.
Ex-construction worker Richard Holden had been chasing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to approve his pension credit claim for almost a year, before The Sun helped him secure a payment of more than £4,000.
Crucial to claim Pension Credit if you can
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
The Sun’s Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it’s imperative to apply for the benefit..
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don’t claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment – worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit – it’s more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It’s not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
