Pensioners in Hull are being urged to check what financial help they may be able to access, including Pension Credit.
The Government is planning changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, meaning those above state pension age wouldn’t automatically qualify for help with their heating bills.
Eligibility will now be restricted to those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.
The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “We know the cost of living has hit pensioners in Hull hard and with energy bills planned to rise again this winter will be difficult for many people.
“As a Council, we are keen to support pensioners as much as we can.
“Given the Government’s changes to Winter Fuel Payments, I would urge anyone who is eligible for Pension Credit to sign up.
“There is a range of support available to provide help during the colder months, including warm spaces in our communities.
“But it is also important that our older people can access all the help they are eligible for, and we know there could be many who are not receiving Pension Credit when they are entitled to it.”
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples.
Residents who receive Pension Credit may also be eligible for a range of other benefits, such as help with housing costs, council tax, and heating bills.
Additionally, those aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit qualify for a free TV Licence.
The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that up to 850,000 pensioner households across the country may be eligible for Pension Credit but do not claim it.
It says that “some pensioners think because they’ve got savings or own their home they would not get any Pension Credit.”
It also says that other barriers where pensioners may wrongly think they are not eligible include:
- They may be working
- They may be getting a small occupational pension
- They may have been turned down in the past
You can use the Pension Credit Calculator to find out how much Pension Credit you or a loved one may be entitled to.
More information is also available via The Pension Service, on 0800 99 1234.
You can also find out more via the following video:
For more help with the cost of living, visit Cost of Living | Hull.
For more information on available benefits, visit Benefits and grants – Hull.
