Winter Fuel Payments are tax-free payments made by the Government to people over the age of 60 on or before the 26th September 2004 and normally living in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. The payments are intended to help with the cost of heating bills over winter.
Entitlement does not consider income or savings and will not affect your pension or any other benefits you receive. If you live alone and you qualify for a payment the amount you should receive is £200 if aged 60-79 or £300 if aged 80 or over. If you are over 60 and have not received a Winter Fuel Payment you can claim by telephone: Winter Fuel Helpline 08459 151515 or via the Internet: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel.
A £100 tax-free lump sum is available to people aged 70 or over on or before 26th September 2004 and is intended to help with the cost of Council Tax and living expenses. Like Winter Fuel Payments, entitlement does not consider income or savings and will not affect other state benefits in payment. If you are over 70 and have not received the lump sum payment, please use the same contacts as listed above.
Make sure you receive the help you are entitled to. The closing date for claims is 30th March. For more information: Steven Wood, Welfare Rights Advisor, Ipswich Borough Council, tel: 01473 433235, steven.wood@ipswich.gov.uk.