Winter fuel payments

The withdrawal of the winter fuel payments by the new Government has created a lot of concern and anxiety.

A senior Northumberland County Councillor is keen to ensure as many people as practicable who are eligible to receive pension credit sign up for this as a matter of urgency.

Cllr Gordon Stewart who represents Prudhoe South and is a  Cabinet member said ‘ I have been inundated with calls for support from residents in my ward, the payments have been made for years and were expected later this year, £300 is a lot of money even to those with some savings and income above a basic pension.

The previous Government realised this and when things were very tough they added even more support to those in need.

Although the payments were to help towards fuel costs, many pensioners tell me they used it treat themselves from the local shops, and now they will no longer be able to consider that.

This is a massive change that has scared them.

I would like to encourage residents who will be impacted by this to e mail their MP to complain, sign the age uk petition https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/campaigning/save-the-winter-fuel-payment/ and check to see if they are eligible to apply for pension credit, if they are to do so as a matter of urgency and certainly before September 16th.

Pension Credit is worth an average of £3,900 per year

If you are eligible, you could also be entitled to a range of additional support like:

  • Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
  • Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
  • A Council Tax discount
  • A free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
  • Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
  • Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme

You can apply for Pension Credit if you’ve reached State Pension age and your weekly income is less than £218.15 (if you’re single) or less than £332.95 jointly (if you have a partner). 

Someone could be entitled to Pension Credit even if they their own home or have savings. Pension Credit is also separate from the State Pension. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

Cllr Stewart added ‘ The Prudhoe Parish Church hall warm hub lunches start again from Friday 6th September 2024. and I am delighted that experts from Age Uk Northumberland & Citizens advice Northumberland have agreed to attend from 12pm on that day to offer advice for people who may be eligible to apply, I will be announcing  around my ward as soon as practicable’