Buckinghamshire Council launches Pension Credit support programme
The scheme seeks to help pensioners, where eligible, to retain the Winter Fuel Allowance
Buckinghamshire Council has launched a programme of free advice sessions to help pensioners apply for Pension Credit, which can entitle them to retain their Winter Fuel Allowance amid government cuts to this benefit.
These sessions will run in local libraries and council buildings across the county until December 21, the deadline for Pension Credit applications this winter.
The Winter Fuel Allowance, previously available to all pensioners, will now only be accessible to those who qualify for Pension Credit or similar support.
The allowance offers up to £300 annually to help older residents with heating costs over the winter, while Pension Credit itself can provide up to £3,900 a year to pensioners on a low income.
Council Leader Martin Tett expressed concern over the timing and impact of the government’s decision to restrict Winter Fuel Allowance eligibility, especially given the financial challenges many pensioners face.
He said: "Personally, I am very concerned that the Government has chosen, as we approach winter, to stop the Winter Fuel Payment for almost all pensioners.
"We know that there are many people who will be very worried about how to pay their heating bills this year or more generally about the ongoing increased cost of living."
The council estimates that more than 5,000 older residents in Buckinghamshire could be eligible for Pension Credit but are not currently claiming it.
Many pensioners may be unaware of their eligibility or deterred by the complexity of the application form.
This is why the council set up these sessions, in an effort to help those eligible not to miss out on vital payments.
Mr Tett said: "The form can appear daunting. While some older residents will be able to ask family or friends to help them fill it in, others may not have that support or may simply not know what Pension Credit is or that they could be eligible.
"As with any form of claim for a payment of this type, it can be confusing to make sense of the eligibility criteria and also how to complete your application.
"It is so important that we help the most vulnerable of our older population at this difficult time of year."
The Council is partnering with Citizens Advice to provide expert advisors at each session to help pensioners navigate the application process.
The advisors will guide residents step-by-step through the eligibility and application requirements for Pension Credit.
If they qualify, pensioners not only secure the winter fuel allowance but also gain a significant income boost from Pension Credit itself.
The Council has made the full schedule of sessions available on its website, where pensioners can check the details of the nearest location and book a time slot to meet with an advisor.
"We do not want the elderly to be forced to choose between ‘heating and eating," he added.
"We’re urging all our senior residents to check or come along and speak to one of the advisors at these surgeries where we can help you get the assistance you are entitled to."
What does the Government say?
A Government spokesperson said: "Based on need in their area, Local Authorities in England will take different approaches to allocating their funding to support struggling households this winter - including those with pensioners – with essentials like food, energy and housing.
"Alongside the Warm Home Discount, over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment and millions more could see their State Pension rise by up to £1,700 this Parliament thanks to the Triple Lock."
For more information on the support sessions, you can visit the Buckinghamshire Council Events page, or find further details on Pension Credit eligibility on GOV.UK.