Pensioners in Buckinghamshire are being invited to attend a free surgery in their local area to see if they are eligible for Pension Credit. If they are, then they will be entitled to keep the Winter Fuel Allowance. The Government has said it will be withdrawing Winter Fuel Allowance from all pensioners, except those on Pension Credit or similar support. The council see it as important to help those who need to apply for Pension Credit but are not sure how to do so or are unsure if they are eligible to receive the payment.

Pension Credit is a payment from the government, available to those of state pension age who meet certain eligibility criteria. It is paid in addition to a state pension and can amount to up to £3,900 a year. It is designed to top up pension income and help with day to day living costs. The Winter Fuel Allowance can be worth up to an extra £300 a year.

The surgeries are being run in libraries and other locations across the county between now and 21 December, which is the cut-off date for applications. Advisors will be on hand to answer questions and guide people through the process of applying for Pension Credit.

Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council 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. We do not want the elderly to be forced to choose between ‘heating and eating’.

“We want to make sure that all those who are eligible for these payments are not missing out. 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. So, we are 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.”

Buckinghamshire Council estimates that there are more than 5,000 older people in the county who could be eligible for Pension Credit.

Martin added: “I believe that it is so important that we help the most vulnerable of our older population at this difficult time of year. 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. This is why I have insisted that we set up these surgeries to support residents and make it as easy as possible for them to claim this payment.”

To find a full list of the surgeries taking place visit: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/events/support-with-pension-credit-applications/

More information on Pension Credit can be found online: www.gov.uk/pension-credit