Renfrewshire Council

Colleagues are being encouraged to reach out to pension age family members, friends and neighbours to encourage them to check their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit. The last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment is Saturday 21 December 2024.

Pension Credit tops up the pension of people over the State Pension age who have a low income, which helps with rent and other housing costs. It can be claimed even if they have savings or own their home. On average, Pension Credit can boost income by an average of up to £3,900 per year.

Our Fairer Renfrewshire lead officer, Diane Dunn, said,

'We're asking colleagues to talk to their own pension age relatives and friends and encourage them to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit.  Currently there are around 2.500 households in Renfrewshire with people over the State Pension age on low incomes who are not claiming.  It's important to check what they are entitled to and get the support they need to complete the form as soon as possible.

Winter Fuel Payment has a 'qualifying week' and this means that anyone in receipt of Pension Credit by 22 September 2024 will be entitled to the payment. We're now past that date, however, if a person's circumstances have been the same, they should ask for the benefit to be backdated for three months. That means that if they apply for Pension Credit by 21 December and have met the Pension Credit qualifying conditions since 22 September, they will still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment so please act now."

To apply for Pension Credit, visit the UK Government website. If the pensioner lives in Renfrewshire, they can get help to complete the form by contacting the council's Advice Works team (0300 300 1238) and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (0141 889 2121). Both services can also check if people are entitled to any other benefits and support at the same time. Those living in other areas can check their own Council's website to see what support to claim is available.

Published Thursday 10 October 2024