Charity’s final Pension Credit session ahead of Winter Fuel Payment cut-off date

• Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is running a bespoke drop-in session on Pension Credit on 6th December
• It is the last of the charity’s Pension Credit sessions before the 21st December cut-off date for applying and being eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
• Winter Fuel Payments are now only being made to those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits

Pensioners who are concerned about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment have the chance to attend one final Pension Credit advice session.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire responded to increased interest from the public around Pension Credit by offering three bespoke drop-in sessions.

These allow anyone who is struggling and worried about losing the Winter Fuel Payment the opportunity to speak to a trained Adviser about Pension Credit.

The last one will be held on 6th December from 2pm to 4pm. Thornbury and Yate MP Claire Young will be there between 2pm and 3pm and will be happy to talk with attendees about their concerns.

Pension Credit is a benefit for pensioners on a low income, which brings their weekly income up to a minimum amount.

Receiving Pension Credit also unlocks the Winter Fuel Payment – which is now available only to pensioners on means-tested benefits.

The payment is usually worth £200 to £300 and from 1997 to this year was universal – meaning it was made to all pensioners with some exceptions.

But the Government has now changed the rules as part of efforts to cut the deficit.

Pension Credit is under-claimed nationally. The Policy In Practice organisation estimates there was £2.2 billion worth of Pension Credit unclaimed across Britain last year.

It estimates there were 2,188 missed Pension Credit claims in South Gloucestershire alone – worth £5.2 million.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire saw a 65% increase in enquiries about Pension Credit after the announcement of changes to the Winter Fuel Payment compared to last year.

The charity wants to give pensioners all the help they need to access Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment if they are eligible.

The final session – which is completely free and will run from the charity’s office in Kennedy Way, Yate, BS37 4DQ – is on Friday 6th December from 2pm to 4pm.

The deadline for applying for Pension Credit and – if successful – receiving the Winter Fuel Payment this year is 21st December.

Anyone who cannot make the session on 6th December can also come to any of the charity’s other drop-ins around South Gloucestershire (times and venues available on the charity’s website) and ask about Pension Credit for a call-back.

Alternatively they can ask about Pension Credit by calling the charity’s local Adviceline on 0808 278 7947 or fill in this online form to register their interest.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s Chief Executive Office Chantal Watts said: “We know many people are concerned about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and want to know how they can access Pension Credit.

“We want to provide anyone struggling with all the help they need to get Pension Credit and the other support that comes with that – including the Winter Fuel Payment.

“This is our last session on Pension Credit before the Winter Fuel Payment deadline so we would encourage you to come on 6th December between 2pm to 4pm if you are able to.

“If you cannot make that session, please get in touch with us via our drop-ins or Adviceline on 0808 278 7947 or fill in the online form to receive a call-back from us.

“The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is continuing to cause severe challenges for many, so it’s important to apply for this support.”

You can also check Citizens Advice’s Pension Credit advice on the national Citizens Advice website.

Published 04/12/24.