Fuel for the fire

Stay warm with winter fuel allowance

Winter is here and that means the cold weather will have us reaching for the extra blankets and turning up the radiator. Many of our residents are entitled to the government’s winter fuel allowance, and we want to make sure that you are getting the help you are eligible for.

Most people who are entitled to winter fuel payments will get them automatically. This year, the government has written to people who reach the qualifying age this year, which means people who were born on or before 5 January 1951, and asked them to fill in a claim form.

Winter Fuel Payments are paid at two household rates:

• £200 (qualifying age to 79 years) and

• £300 (80+ years)

If you have received Winter Fuel Payments in the past, you don’t need to worry; they will be paid to you automatically. However, if you have not had them before, the Department for Work and Pensions might not have your details. For example, they won’t have details for people who don’t get their State Pension yet or people who have never claimed any social security benefits. If this could be you, you must ask for a claim form.

Claim forms must be received on or before 30 March 2012 to meet the final deadline.

If you have a question, or need a claim form, call the Winter Fuel Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15. You can also visit the Winter Fuel Payment page on the Directgov (www.direct.gov.uk) website for more information.