Age Concern encourages everyone over the age of 60 to register
for the government’s Winter Fuel Payments by March 30th deadline
In addition to the government’s Winter Fuel Payments, all
customers of Age Concern Energy Services will receive a guaranteed
Cold Weather Payment of at least £10 this year
OLDER PEOPLE across the UK could be missing out on the government’s
Winter Fuel Payments worth in total over £1.4 billion*,
according to Age Concern Energy Services.
Everyone in the UK aged over 60 qualifies for the Winter Fuel
Payment. Those who are receiving a State Pension or another benefit
(apart from Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit)
will receive the Winter Fuel Payment in the same way that they
usually receive their State Pension or benefit. Those who aren’t
receiving a State Pension or another benefit (excluding Housing
Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) will need to apply
to receive their Winter Fuel Payment. Claim forms can be downloaded
online or applied for by telephone.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual government payment received
by all those of retirement age. If you are aged 60-79, the household
receives £200 per year; those aged 80 or over will be entitled
to an extra £50 or £100, so claimants could receive
up to £300 depending on their circumstances. In order to
qualify for this winter’s payment (2007 / 08) you must register
by 30th March 2008 – just two weeks from now.
“We know that many older people
struggle during the winter months, and this year thousands are
likely to feel an even greater chill as the days shorten and temperatures
fall. It is really important that everyone eligible registers
for the government’s Winter Fuel Payment and receives all
the financial help that they are entitled to”
said Jeff Morris, Head of Products at Age Concern Enterprises.
In addition to the government’s Winter Fuel Payment, Age
Concern gas and dual fuel customers will also receive a guaranteed
Cold Weather Payment of at least £10. The payment is available
to energy customers of all ages. And, along with a wide range
of other benefits, the offer makes Age Concern Energy Services
one of the most competitive of the UK energy suppliers.
What’s more, if you are an Age Concern Energy Services gas
customer aged 60 and over, you may also receive an additional
payment, above the guaranteed minimum of £10. This extra
payment is equivalent to an extra three hours use of a gas fire
for each qualifying day, based on the number of days the temperature
drops below freezing point between December and February. The
temperature is taken from Pickering weather station in Yorkshire
– one of the coldest places in the UK.
To find out more about the Age Concern Energy Services
package (including the Cold Weather Payment) call free on
0800 404 5010 or visit your local Age Concern**.
