Aberdeenshire pensioners urged to not miss out on winter heating help
Older people in Aberdeenshire are being urged not to miss out on up to £300 of help with their energy bills as a key deadline looms.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national advice service advice.scot, is reminding households that they have until Saturday, December 21 to apply for Pension Credit and, in turn, qualify for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months, provided the applicant was eligible during that period.
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment – which replaces the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland – provides £200 to qualifying households, increasing to £300 if someone in the household is aged 80 or over.
Advice Direct Scotland is encouraging people to check their eligibility following recent policy changes by the UK and Scottish Governments.
It is also urging families to check in with older relatives to ensure they are aware of their entitlement to support.
Pension Credit is a form of financial assistance that “tops up” the income of individuals above State Pension age who fall below a minimum income threshold.
On average, it can be worth up to £3500 per year, yet recent figures suggest that as many as 760,000 eligible individuals across the UK may be missing out.
To be eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment this year, claimants must have been born before September 23, 1958, and be in receipt of Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit.
Claimants must also have received the relevant benefit during the “qualifying week”, which this year fell between September 16 and September 22.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is administering the payments this winter, with those eligible expected to receive them automatically.
People who have recently reached State Pension age are encouraged to check their eligibility with the DWP before December 21.
Submitting a claim by this date could allow it to be backdated to the qualifying week in September, making them eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Anyone who requires further guidance can contact Advice Direct Scotland by phone on 0808 800 9060 or online via www.advice.scot
The charity’s staff can provide free advice on the support available and ensure that households are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to.
Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With the cost of living crisis and further energy price rises on the horizon, it’s more important than ever for people to claim everything they’re entitled to.
“We urge Scots to check their eligibility for Pension Credit and apply for support. Family members can also help older relatives access the assistance they need.
“There have been a lot of recent changes to benefits and eligibility criteria, and anyone who is worried or unsure can contact us for help.
“Our free and unique online calculator is the only tool tailored specifically for Scotland. It can ensure people are receiving all the support they’re entitled to.
“It’s important not to struggle alone. Our specialist advisers offer free, impartial, and practical advice on 0808 800 9060 or via www.advice.scot.”
