Plymouth pensioners have just days left to claim benefit that unlocks £300 winter fuel payment

Plymouth's pensioners have just days left to claim a benefit that unlocks a payment of up to £300. The government's winter fuel payment is now means-tested, with only those on certain benefits eligible.

Among them is Pension Credit, and city MP Luke Pollard has urged pensioners in the city to check if they are entitled to receive it. However they will need to apply by December 21 to be in time to receive the winter fuel payment.

Pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible. Pension Credit itself is worth £3,900 a year on average and also acts as a gateway to other benefits beyond the Winter Fuel Payment, including extra help including help with council tax and housing benefit.

Mr Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "The new government has had to take difficult decisions to fix the black hole in the public finances, but we are determined to make sure low-income pensioners are supported. I would encourage pensioners in Plymouth to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit.

"Millions of pensioners are also set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock."

Mr Pollard said that while applications for Pension Credit have gone up by 145% since the government campaign started, many eligible pensioners in Plymouth are still not claiming the benefit.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple can check to see if they could be eligible via the Pension Credit calculator. You can apply for Pension Credit online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by phoning the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

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