Age Cymru is urging eligible pensioners to claim pension credit by December 21 to qualify for crucial winter fuel payments.

During the start of autumn, the UK Government introduced new rules restricting winter fuel payments to just those claiming pension credit and other means tested benefits.

Department for Work and Pension (DWP) rules state that to get winter fuel payments this winter you must have reached the state pension age and be in receipt of pension credit during the week of 16 – 22 September. However, as claims can be backdated by up to three months this means you may still apply up to December 21. But remember to request a backdated application as the DWP will not do it automatically for you. Other means tested benefits such as universal credit may also be used to qualify for winter fuel payments.

Angharad Phillips, who heads the charity’s Spread the Warmth campaign said: “It’s crucial that older people check if they’re eligible for pension credit and, if they are, to make a claim so they can benefit from winter fuel payments to keep their homes warm and themselves safe this winter, especially those with long term health conditions.

“More than 56,000 people in Wales who are eligible for pension credit are not accessing it leaving more £117 million unclaimed. Even if you’ve been turned down before, it may still be worth making a new claim, as benefits rates change, as can your personal circumstances.”

How to make a claim for pension credit

• Call the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234 (or Textphone 0800 169 0133). But note that as December 21 is a Saturday, the last day to make a claim by phone is Friday, December 20.

• To apply by post, call the claim line to request a form but be mindful of delays to the pre-Christmas postal system.

Age Cymru has produced a guide called Winter wrapped up that explains what older people can do to get themselves and their homes ready for winter. The guide also includes information on organisations and services that can offer advice and support during the colder months. The charity also runs a campaign called Spread the Warmth highlighting the various ways you can keep yourself warm, safe, and well in winter.

For more details about the campaign and to order a free copy of the Winter wrapped up guide, call Angharad Phillips on 029 2043 1555, email [email protected], or visit: www.agecymru.org.uk/spreadthewarmth