Pensioners "are living in poverty when they don't need to be"
According to Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau, 800,000 households could claim pension credit making them eligible for winter fuel payments
A citizens advice bureau in Essex has warned many pensioners "do not know they can access winter fuel payments" and are "living in poverty when they don't need to be".
Alexis Castleton from Chelmsford Citizens Advice explains "one of the ways to be eligible for winter fuel payments is to be receiving pension credit."
Pension credit is a means-tested benefit for people over state pension age.
"800,000 households across the UK could be claiming pension credit that aren't", according to the advice bureau in Essex.
"It's a benefit to boost your income and comes in two parts: a guarantee credit and a savings credit", says Ms Castleton.
"You might be eligible for one or both depending on how much money you've got coming in."
Ms Castleton tell us "so many older people living in fuel poverty do not realise they can access winter fuel payments by applying for pension credit."
According to the Chelmsford bureau, 3 billion pounds worth of pension credit and housing benefit goes unclaimed in a single year.
"It's a real shame that people are in poverty when they don't need to be."
Chelmsford Citizens Advice are running a pop up pension credit advice hub from on 11 October 2024 to offer support and guidance to those in need.
Fuel Poverty Helpline
For those struggling financially and concerned abut turning the heating on, Ms Castleton recommends calling their fuel poverty helpline.
"They can do a full assessment, check what benefits you're eligible for, energy efficiency checks, talk through debts you might have, any other issues as well.
"If the advisors can't help you, the organisation has many other advisors that can help.
"Just remember you're not on your own, there are lots of people that want to help.
"It doesn't hurt to check you're eligible."
You can call these energy specialists on 0808 189 6550
You can call the pension credit claim line on 0800 991 234, apply by post, or online.
Or you can visit the Pop Up Pension Credit Advice Hub between 09:30 - 15:30 on October 11, 2024 outside Barclays Bank, High Street, Chelmsford.