Pensioners reminded to claim the Winter Fuel Payment

Date published: 20/03/2006

A strong reminder to pensioners to claim the Winter Fuel Payment by the end of the month, if they had not already done so, has been given by the Government.

The Government has already paid £1.7 billion in total to more than 11 million people in the UK automatically but wants to ensure no one else over 60 misses out on help.

With only ten days to go to claim last winter's payment, Minister for Pensions Reform, Stephen Timms, reminded people over 60 they could still benefit from a £200 cash injection to help heat their home - as long as they claimed by 30 March.

Stephen Timms said:

"While the recent cold spell should be making its exit soon, it's still not too late for pensioners to receive help with their fuel bills. Millions - regardless of their income - have already received the £200 Winter Fuel Payment to help heat their home, but there may be others who have not claimed.

"That's why I am reminding anyone over 60 to make sure they claim what's theirs. As long as you have not already received last winter's payment, and you claim by 30 March, you will be £200 the better off for a warmer home.

"So, download a form from the Pension Service Website or call 08459 15 15 15."

Those who haven't received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or who were not in receipt of a relevant social security benefit in the qualifying week will need to make a claim  by 30 March 2006.