• Eligible pensioners should sign up by the deadline to receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment. 
• Applications for Pension Credit have gone up by 145% since government campaign started but many eligible pensioners in Manchester Withington are still not claiming the benefit. 

The 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.

Pensioners need to apply for Pension Credit by 21 December to be in time to receive the payment of up to £300.

Pension Credit itself is worth £3,900 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. 

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. 

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said: 

“The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported. 

“That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit. 

“This government is completely committed to supporting pensioners – with millions also set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.” 

This campaign comes alongside the announcement that millions are set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through the government’s commitment to the triple lock. 

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 Manchester City Council’s website here to check if you are eligible for support via the Household Support Fund.