If you’re a pensioner living in Knowsley, you may be worried about what the upcoming changes to winter fuel allowance payments mean for you.
The deadline to claim Pension Credit is 21 December 2024, but there’s lots of support available to help you to identify if you’re eligible and how to apply.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has announced that, from winter 2024/2025, households in England and Wales will only be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
So, if you are worried about your finances, and you haven’t yet applied for Pension Credit, now is the time to do so.
What is Pension Credit and how is it related to the Winter Fuel Allowance?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.
Latest figures show that up to 880,000 households across the UK may be missing out on support worth on average over £3,900 a year because they have not applied for Pension Credit. In Knowsley, it’s estimated there are over 700 pensioners who are eligible but haven’t yet claimed.
Pension Credit also opens doors to other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.
You can claim Pension Credit if you’re of State Pension age and on a low income. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales to qualify.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. Even if you have savings, a private pension or own your own home, you can still be entitled to it.
How is Pension Credit worked out and how do I apply?
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.
If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, or have housing costs.
Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months as long as there is entitlement during that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024.
You can use the Pension Credit calculator to find out how much Pension Credit someone could get – without giving any personal details.
You can also check your eligibility and apply at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234.
Help is also available in each of the Borough’s libraries – in Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby, Prescot and Stockbridge Village – if you need help with applying for Pension Credit. The libraries are open six days a week.
Claim what’s yours
Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley is also encouraging residents to “claim what’s yours” – find out more here.
In partnership with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, a number of face-to-face drop-in sessions are taking place up to 21 December 2024 as follows:-
Huyton – every Monday (until 21 December)
27 Cavendish Walk, Huyton, L36 9YG at 9:30am – 3:00pm
Kirkby – every Friday (until 21 December)
142 Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, L32 8RX at 9:30am – 3:00pm
Alternatively, you can pop into the Hillside Community Centre, Hillside Avenue, Liverpool, L36 8DS any day of the week and seek support from their team of volunteers. Hillside Community Centre also run their Grub Clubs where you can get discounted food on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Other winter support available
In addition to Pension Credit, you may also be eligible for the Warm Home Discount and the extended Household Support Fund.
Knowsley residents can also get independent advice by calling Citizens Advice Bureau on 0808 278 7839. You can even WhatsApp them on 0151 294 6309. Alternatively, get in touch via email advice@citizensadviceknowsley.org.uk.
A financial guide for older residents in Knowsley was recently published by Knowsley Older People’s Voice and Knowsley Council. It contains lots of tips to help you save money and maximise your income, too.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “I know that there will be older people in Knowsley who feel very worried about the cost of heating their homes this winter. Help is still available – and checking if you are eligible for Pension Credit is a really important first step.
“Pension Credit is there to help older people with the cost of living, and yet many people haven’t applied or didn’t realise it was available for them. If that is you, please take a few minutes to check what help you should be getting – you can even check eligibility on behalf of an elderly relative without having to give personal information.”