Residents of state pension age in East Cambridgeshire are being urged to apply now for Pension Credit to be in with a chance of qualifying for this year's winter fuel payment.

Eligible residents have until 21 December to apply for the benefit and still receive the £300 winter fuel payment from government. Applications received after that date will not qualify for the payment.

Anyone who needs help with applying for Pension Credit is advised to contact the community advice team at East Cambridgeshire District Council, or attend one of the council's drop in sessions. These take place Monday to Friday, from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Drop-in sessions are also held at Soham library each Wednesday, 10am until midday, and in Littleport by St George’s Medical Centre from 10am until midday on a Friday.

Pension Credit tops up pension income and can help with day to day living costs. The benefit is worth on average £3900 per year and residents may be eligible to claim Pension Credit even if they own their home or have savings. As well as the winter fuel payment, people receiving Pension Credit may also be able to get help with other heating costs, help with rent or Council Tax, a free TV licence for people over 75, and help with NHS services, such as dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital treatment.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, explains: “Pension Credit is a valuable benefit that can help people with day-to-day costs and as we head into the winter months this could really make a difference with the increased costs of heating homes.
“I would encourage anyone who is unsure if they would qualify for Pension Credit, or who would like help to apply, to attend our community advice drop-in sessions to talk to our advisors.

“It is really important to apply now because, owing to the Pension Credit backdating rules, successful applications before 21 December will still receive the winter fuel payment.”

If you are unable to attend the drop-in sessions a home visit may be possible. Call the council on 01353 665555 and ask to speak to an advisor.

For more information, and to check eligibility, visit GOV.UK's website. or you can apply by phone on the Pension Credit claim line 0800 99 1234.

Eligible applications received before the 21 December deadline can have the claim backdated by up to 3 months, as long as someone was eligible during that time, and still receive the winter fuel payment.