Winter fuel payments advice

54North Homes is supporting the Leeds Older People’s Forum in helping customers understand changes to Pension Credit.

Pension Credit Awareness Week starts today, Monday, 9 September, and is themed this year around how the benefit is now linked to winter fuel payments.

If you receive a state pension, you could be eligible to increase your weekly income by claiming Pension Credit.

54North Homes has a Money Matters Caseworker, Liz Wilson, who can provide information and help you make a claim. You can email her here or call her on 0191 223 8633.

The average weekly award in Leeds is £71.21 (Feb 2024), with the exact amount depending on the money you already have.

You might be entitled to Pension Credit, even if you have savings, a private pension or own your home.

Claiming Pension Credit could also mean you can get extra help with the following:

• Dental costs;
• Council Tax;
• rent;
• the Winter Fuel Payment;
• and help with your TV Licence if you are over 75.

You can make a claim online, by phone, or you can also request a paper claim form.

See here for more details. Or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 991 234.

If you would like more information, need help claiming, or would just like to talk to someone about claiming Pension Credit, you can contact any of the services in Leeds below. These services are all completely free, impartial and confidential.

Welfare Rights at Leeds City Council

🕿 0113 376 0452

🖂  Welfare.rights@leeds.gov.uk

Age UK Leeds

🕿 0113 389 3000

🖂  info@ageukleeds.org.uk

Details of other organisations that can help with Pension Credit for residents in Leeds can be found here.

You can also visit Leeds City Council community hubs and libraries here to find out more.

It is important to make your claim as soon as possible, as it can only be backdated three months from the date the claim is made.