Kevin Foster is urging Torbay pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit as winter approaches, as the Government pushes ahead with cuts to Winter Fuel Allowances.
Eligible pensioners could receive up to £3,300 of extra support annually from Pension Credit. Those who receive an award of pension credit will also receive winter fuel allowance and qualify for other support, such as a Free TV Licence if aged over 75. Yet every year many eligible for it do not make a claim, with estimates suggesting nearly £7 million pounds could go unclaimed in our bay each year.
Kevin’s call comes as energy prices are set to rise next month, alongside changes by the Government that will see an estimated 31,140 pensioners across Torbay lose their Winter Fuel Allowance.
The campaign against these cuts continues, with hundreds of Torbay residents having already backed a petition which will be presented to the Chancellor on Budget Day next month. The online petition is available at www.keepwinterfuel.com.
Local Campaigner Kevin Foster said: “The cuts to Winter Fuel Allowance will see over 31,000 pensioners across our bay lose up to £300, making it hard for those on modest incomes to keep warm this winter. Conservatives protected pensioners in Government and are now campaigning hard to stop these cuts in opposition. Yet with colder months approaching it is now even more vital those already missing out on Pension Credit get their claims in to avoid Labour’s winter fuel cut.”
To check eligibility, call 0800 99 1234 or apply online www.gov.uk/pension-credit . They will require the individual’s National Insurance Number, bank details, and information about your income, savings and credit. If you are struggling, a friend or family member can help you to do this, provided it is your information they input.
Pensioners can check their eligibility via the government’s Pension credit calculator (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator) and find details about other support available on Torbay Council’s website by following this link: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/benefits/cost-of-living/.
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
