State pensioners warned they have until December 21 'deadline' to act

State pensioners have just one month remaining to claim an extra £332 that will entitle them to receive an up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment. The funds can be claimed by anyone over the age of 66 who are entitled to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is a vital benefit which is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners, which is currently worth up to £218.15 a week if you are single or £332.95 if you are in a couple. Pension Credit also gives automatic entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300.

Pensioners who are yet to submit a claim for Pension Credit to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment must do so before the deadline of December 21, 2024. This is the last date for making a backdated claim to ensure you receive the £300 Winter Fuel Allowance.

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Hundreds of thousands of Britons are thought to be eligible for Pension Credit but aren’t claiming it. This comes despite the benefit working as a gateway to a number of different means of financial support, such as a free TV licence, council tax reduction, and the Winter Fuel Payment.

To claim, a person must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached the state pension age (currently 66 and over). They or their partner must also be receiving housing benefits. If this applies, the person must then work out their total weekly income. This should include the state pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment, and most social security benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance.

Not all benefits are counted as income. People are most likely to be eligible if their total weekly income is roughly under £220. However, if their income is higher, they might still be eligible so it’s worth checking the Government Pension Credit calculator just in case.

To apply for the benefit, people can reach the helpline by telephone on 0800 99 1234 or by textphone on 0800 169 0133.