Horsham District Council is encouraging its residents of state pension age to check whether they could claim Pension Credit, which is worth over £3,500 a year on average.

Thousands of pensioners in England and Wales are set to lose their winter fuel payments under new plans announced by the Government. From this autumn, those not claiming Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the annual winter fuel payments, currently worth between £100 and £300.

Pension Credit is a tax-free payment for those who have reached pension credit qualifying age and live in Great Britain.

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing Cllr Sam Raby commented:

 “Making sure that people are accessing the support that’s available to them is a top priority for us, and we know that there are many people in our District who could be claiming Pension Credit but don’t realise it or are yet to apply for this support.

“If you’re not eligible yourself, please consider whether someone you know might be able to benefit from this scheme. If you are talking to friends and family of people over state pension age, please encourage them to think about Pension Credit and the other benefits that come with claiming it. This can help open up important conversations that could make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Check out your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit

Or you can call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469 (A friend or family member can call us for you if you cannot use the telephone).

Textphone: 0800 169 0133.

Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet

Contact your local Citizens Advice or Age UK if you need help completing the form.