Message from Cllr Peter Atkinson;

Notwithstanding the government's decision to press ahead on limiting access to the Winter Fuel Payment, I thought it would be useful to remind people how to claim Pension Credit as there is a very large number of older people who don't claim when they could and this would then give them access to the Winter Fuel Payment. Here's the link for those who are able to use the internet https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit Or, for those who don't use the internet, you can apply by phone.

A friend or family member can call if the person cannot use the phone.

Pension Credit claim line Telephone: 0800 99 1234 Textphone: 0800 169 0133 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Find out about call charges or by post

To apply by post, print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form.

Send the claim form to the Pension Service, or ask someone to do it for you.

Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3

Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp.

Contact a voluntary organisation like Citizens Advice or Age UK if you need help with the form.