Missing millions could help to pay winter fuel bills

THE recent cold weather has resulted in higher heating bills for many, causing concern and anxiety as to how they will be paid.  Despite this, there are many people over 60 who may be entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming it.

Peter Francis, Manager of Barnsley Council’s Welfare Rights Service, said: “The Government estimates that 2.7 million pension households currently claim Pension Credit and this is worth an average £50 per week to top up their retirement pension. 

The sad thing is that there are another estimated 1.8 million pensioner households who could be entitled to this money but are failing to claim it. This includes an estimated 3,000 households in Barnsley.”

The DWP believes that nationally, as much as £5 billion in Pension Credit and other benefits goes unclaimed every year.

For those worried about their winter fuel bills or not eating properly so that they can pay their bills, this is a huge sum of money.  People should also be aware that the recently advertised cold weather grants of £25 per week are paid are in addition Pension Credit when it gets very cold.

Men and women over 60 in Barnsley  are asked to ring the Welfare Rights freephone advice line 0800 915 3339 to see if they are entitled. The line is open during normal office hours.

It will take advisors just a few minutes to tell callers if it’s worth while making a claim and if it is they can help with the claim process as well. 

The call is free (mobile phone companies may charge) and people have nothing to lose by telephoning.  It can even be done anonymously if people do not wish to leave details.

For many people, claiming extra benefits such as this can be a little daunting.  To help, the service asks all people with parents over 60 to ask them if they are aware of this benefit and to ring on their behalf if they think assistance could be given.

Cabinet Spokesperson for Financial Resources, Cllr Alan Gardiner, said: “Keeping warm when it is very cold like this can be a matter of life and death for some people.  I would again urge everyone in Barnsley over 60 to check whether or not they qualify for pension credit, housing benefit or council tax benefit by contacting the Council’s Welfare Rights Service for a chat. 

“The service is free, friendly and easy to use.  You might find that you are one of the 37 percent currently missing out and with average payments working out at £50 per week, all the worry associated with heating your home will be eased a little.”

ENDS