State pensioners who claim £3,900 income boost could get an extra £6,988 on top

People of pension age who have lost out on the Winter Fuel Payment under its new restrictions are being urged to see if they can get it back. Labour has tightened the rules so that only those on Pension Credit and some other means-tested benefits are eligible for the annual payment, meaning 10 million others could miss out.

It's believed 880,000 people are eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it, with the DWP making efforts to increase take-up. A successful claim for Pension Credit by December 21 would mean people are then able to get this year's Winter Fuel Payment after all.

In addition, anyone who secures Pension Credit - worth an average of £3,900 a year - can unlock access to a range of other benefits and discounts that are worth £6,988. Policy in Practice says those not already claiming Pension Credit are likely to be entitled to a lower amount, but it's still worth doing because of all the extra help you can receive as a result.

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• Key dates when State Pension, Universal Credit, PIP and other benefits will go up
• Councils set up their own Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners after cuts

These 'passported benefits' available to those on Pension Credit include Housing Benefit with an average value of £4,338, Council Tax Support of around £1,670, Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 and the Warm Home Discount of £150. Other perks of claiming include a free TV licence if you're over 75, discounted water bills, and broadband on a cut-price social tariff amounting to £200 a year. Adding all those together gives another £6,988, on average, that's available to many Pension Credit claimants.

Everyone currently on Pension Credit is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount and cheaper water and broadband, while 37.5 per cent are over 75 and enjoy a free TV licence while just over half get Housing Benefit. A substantial majority of 87 per cent receive Council Tax Support, which either reduces or completely writes off their council tax bills.

In addition, guidance on GOV.UK adds that people on Pension Credit automatically qualify for Cold Weather Payments, which are £25 for each seven-day period of freezing weather. Those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit can also get help with NHS costs such as prescriptions, dental treatment, glasses and transport to hospital appointments.

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single or £332.95 if you have a partner. Extra amounts are available if you have a severe disability, caring responsibilities, or look after a child or young person.

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