If you receive pension credit, you receive the winter fuel payment. There are a lot of pensioners who are eligible for pension credit who don't claim it. Pension Credit is better termed Pension Top up.
If you're of state pension age and on a low income, check if you're eligible for Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment. You can use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator. It's worth applying even if you don't think you'll get much.
MP for MK North, Chris Curtis, has voiced concerns over the low take-up of pension credit, and has said he will be writing to the Labour leader of Milton Keynes City Council to see if more could be done locally to increase uptake. CTMK are really pleased to hear that. Meantime, speak to the older people in your congregations, family and neighbours, and check if they are eligible to claim pension credit and help them with their claim if they need it
The Good Practice Mentors share learning, resource and knowledge from the seven-year national Ageing Better programme that aimed to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst the over 50s. In response to the recent announcement about the Winter Fuel Allowance, the GPM team are delivering online practical sessions that share quick wins and pick-up-and-use tools and techniques to find and engage with older people around Pension Credit. The session will include how to address common preconceptions and barriers to engagement older people can experience, ‘outreach friendly comms’ guidance, and the offer of further training around how to proactively find and engage harder to reach older people out in the community via street outreach and door knocking.
There is a session on Wednesday 23rd October, 1pm - 2.15pm. To book a free space, click here.