Act Now to Secure Winter Fuel Allowance

Pensioners across South Tyneside are being encouraged to act now to secure a Winter Fuel Allowance payment this year.

It is estimated that almost 3,000 older people in South Tyneside are missing out on Pension Credit, a valuable government benefit that could benefit them by around £32 a week and add almost £5million to the local economy.

Government have confirmed that the qualifying week for Pension Credit will be 16 to 22 September meaning that anyone wanting to quality for Winter Fuel Allowance this year will need to have applied by 23 September 2024.

To check eligibility for Pension Credit, residents can visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 991 234.

Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, said: "People are continuing to feel the pinch and we are really keen that people who are entitled to Pension Credit actually claim it.

"Since April 2023, our efforts to promote pension credit has resulted in over £838,000 being claimed by residents who are eligible, but it is estimated that there is still around 3,000 people in South Tyneside not claiming and we want to ensure every single person gets the money that is due to them.

"More than a third of people who qualify for Pension Credit aren't receiving it - and you could be getting thousands of pounds extra a year, so please take a few minutes to check if you're eligible."

Pension Credit can still be claimed if people have savings or own their own home.

It is a 'gateway benefit', which could open up access to other support like dental treatment, vouchers towards glasses or contact lenses and discount on water rates. Recipients may even get Housing Benefit, Warm House Discount, Cold Weather Payment and help paying rent or Council Tax. Anyone over 75, also qualifies for a free TV licence.

Grahame Cassidy, Chief Officer at Age Concern Tyneside South, said: "It is more important than ever to check your benefits this autumn. ACTS have advisors to help if necessary. 

"Do you know a relative, friend or neighbour who may be eligible and not claiming - please start the conversation and signpost to the support available."

South Tyneside's Welfare Support Team offers a free, confidential welfare benefits and debt advice service to help residents navigate the benefits system to ensure they are receiving the help they are entitled to.

The team also helps people recover benefits at appeal which have been stopped by the Department of Work and Pensions. In 2023 / 2024 the welfare support team secured over £8.5M for residents in social security benefits and debt write-offs.

For support in claiming Pension Credit, contact South Tyneside's Welfare Support Team on (0191) 424 6040 or email welfaresupport@southtynesidehomes.org.uk or Age Concern on (0191) 456 6903or email info@ac-ts.org.uk, Citizens' Advice on (0191) 455 7958 or contact CMA Connect at freehelpwithdebt@gmail.com