Danczuk urges elderly people not to miss out on help for heating bills

Rochdale Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk

Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk, has urged older people to get their applications for Winter Fuel Payments in as quickly as possible to ensure they get their payments by Christmas.

“Although summer has just ended we have to think of the colder months ahead,” said Mr Danczuk. “I don’t want anyone to miss out on the help they are entitled to. If you haven’t received a Winter Fuel Payment before – and are not receiving State Pension or another social security benefit (other than Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Child Benefit) – you need to apply.

"I know things are tough at the moment and people are worried about energy bills. That’s why I back Government action to increase how much money older people get to help with heating costs. This year for households including someone aged 60-79 there will be an extra £50, bringing the total up to £250. And households with someone aged 80 or over will receive an extra £100 this year, £400 in total, to help older people cope with higher energy costs.

"If you claim by 19 September you should receive your payment before Christmas.”

Mr Danczuk also encouraged people to look at other ways of saving money on their heating bills.

“Now is also the ideal time of year to check on the energy efficiency of your home,” he stressed. “Proper insulation can make a real difference to your bills. It's hard to believe but as much as £1 in every £3 spent on heating bills is wasted in poorly insulated homes.

“I’d also encourage people to contact their energy suppliers to see whether they qualify for a reduced tariff and find out what they provide to improve energy efficiency.

“Customers should also shop around and consider switching their energy supplier as different firms offer different tariffs. You can save from switching and most people will save £130-150 in total.”

People over 60 who are newly eligible and who need to claim, and have not already received a claim form, can get one by visiting the Winter Fuel Payment website:

www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel

Or by calling the helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users).