Halesowen MP urges pensioners to apply for winter fuel payment before December 21 deadline
Pensioners in the Black Country are being urged to apply for this year's Winter Fuel Payment by December 21.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Halesowen Labour MP Alex Ballinger, who backed the Government's cuts to the benefit, told local pensioners if they are eligible for help then they should not miss out.
The Halesowen MP highlighted the December 21 deadline for applicants to be in time to receive the payment of up to £300.
Pension Credit is worth £3,900 a year on average and can lead to other support in addition to Winter Fuel Payments, including help with Council Tax or Housing Benefit.
Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible via the Pension Credit calculator.
Pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible.
In order to support local pensioners with the application process, Alex Ballinger MP is inviting pensioners to book an appointment at his next constituency advice surgery on Saturday, December 14 to speak to him and his team about their eligibility and how to apply.
He said: “I have spoken to many eligible pensioners in Halesowen who have not yet applied for Pension Credit. A lot of people think that they can’t claim if they own their own home or have savings or a private pension income – but that isn’t the case and they may still be able to claim.
“Since the Government’s Pension Credit uptake campaign started, applications have increased by 145 per cent. I want to make sure that every elderly person in Halesowen receives the support that they are entitled to.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP added: “The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.
“That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit."
The Government also extended the Household Support Fund with £421 million, to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families.
Visit the Dudley Council website to check if you are eligible for support via the Household Support Fund.
To book an appointment at Alex Ballinger’s advice surgery on December 14, please email alex.ballinger.mp@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 7217 between 9 and 5pm.
