Don't Miss Out on the Winter Fuel Payment

The Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, has urged people to check their entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment, to ensure that they are not missing out. “While people aged 60 or over qualify for one payment of £250 per household, rising to £400 for those aged 80 years or over, there may also be people who are working who do not realise that they too are eligible.” she said. The Minister added: “Most receive this important benefit automatically if they receive a State Pension or other social security benefit (excluding Housing Benefit or Child Benefit). However, I am concerned there are others, perhaps those not receiving any benefit or who are working, who do not realise that they are eligible. I encourage them to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline to check if they can claim.”

You may get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2009-2010 if :

- you're aged 60 or over during 21 to 27 September 2009 and
- you normally live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland

Couples both aged 60 or over who qualify and who are receiving Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance will get one payment made to the person receiving that benefit. Only one payment will be made per household.

Claim forms can be obtained by ringing the Winter Fuel Payment helpline  on 08459 15 15 15 and MUST be returned no later than 30 March 2010. Anyone who claimed before 25 September 2009 should receive their payment before Christmas. Those who did not claim until after this date will receive their payment in early 2010.

The Winter Fuel Payment was introduced in 1997 and was designed to give financial assistance forwards the cost of heating to people aged 60 and over.

Margaret Ritchie added: “With the increasing cost of fuel, there is no doubt that some older people may have difficulty budgeting this year. This payment will make a difference and I say to them – don’t miss out."