Pension Credit and Winter Fuel payments

Help to claim Pension Credit

You could be entitled to Pension Credit, worth an average of £3,900 per year, even if you own your home or have savings. Pension Credit is also separate from your State Pension. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

If you’re not already claiming Pension Credit, please contact Kent County Council, who will be able provide you with further information and offer help to apply for Pension Credit. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/pensioncredit.

Alternatively, you can contact the Pension Credit claim line– a friend or family member can also call on your behalf. Contact:

• Telephone: 0800 99 1234
• Textphone: 0800 169 0133
• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
• British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you are on a computer - Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

If you are eligible, you could also be entitled to a range of additional support like:

• Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
• Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
• A Council Tax discount
• A free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
• Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
• Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months. The Government announced in July 2024 that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have reached State Pension age and also receive one of the benefits below.

Eligibility

You can get a Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025 if you were born before 23 September 1958.

You must also live in England or Wales and get one of the following:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

You’ll also need to have been getting a benefit during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.

Click here to find out if you’re eligible for Winter Fuel Payment and how much you could get.

Sarah Robson

Deputy Chief Executive

Chief Officer - People and Places

Sevenoaks District Council | Council Offices | Argyle Road | Sevenoaks | Kent | TN13 1HG