Local people are being urged to check if they are eligible to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.
SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins said with winter fast approaching it was imperative that older people received all the support they needed to be able to meet the costs of their heating bills.
Cllr Dobbins added: “Payments of up to £300 are currently available to anyone who was born on, or before, 5 July 1952.
“While payments are automatic for previous claimants, some older people may not realise that they could be entitled to this extra money.”
You are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if you:
· were born on or before 5th July 1952, or
· were resident in the UK during the qualifying week of 15 – 21 September 2014, and receiving State Pension or certain other qualifying benefits. The Winter Fuel Payment will be paid to these people automatically.
Cllr Dobbins added: “I would encourage new claimants, to contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0845 9151 515 and check if they can make a claim or download a claim form http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
“Payments will start to issue in November 2014 and new claims must be received no later than 31 March 2015.”
Cllr Dobbins concluded: “With us all facing harder financial times, a little bit extra can always help.”
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