PENSION Credit is something that many households are unaware they’re entitled to, which may mean that they could also lose out on help with their heating costs this winter. This is in light of the UK Government’s recent decision to withdraw the Winter Fuel Payment, to all pensioners except those who receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
Understanding if you, a loved one, a friend or a neighbour are eligible for Pension Credit can be confusing and seem like a daunting task to investigate. However, Carmarthenshire County Council’s expert Hwb Advisors are on hand to help you and the those you care about to find out.
Hwbs in Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen are open Monday to Friday to support residents across a wide range of issues. The Citizens Advice Bureau will also be present at the Hwbs to answer questions, provide support or guidance on applications on all services on the following dates:
- Llanelli Hwb: 16 & 30 October
- Carmarthen Hwb: 14, 21& 28 October
- Ammanford Hwb: 8, 15, 22 & 29 October
You can also call them for advice and assistance by phoning our Claim What’s Yours line: 01267 234567
Advice on Pension Credit will also be readily available through the County Council’s Hwb Bach y Wlad scheme, which visit’s the 10 rural towns of Carmarthenshire every month. Visit this webpage to view the Hwb Bach y Wlad timetable.
If you are unable to attend one of the Hwbs in person, Carmarthenshire County Council will also be hosting a series of webinars on the following dates:
- Monday, 4 November – 2pm & 7pm
- Thursday 7 November – 2pm & 7pm
Keep an eye out on Carmarthenshire County Council’s social media channels for a link to register to the webinars.
The webinars will provide advice on Pension Credit and talk you through, step by step, how to find out if you, a friend, neighbour or family member is eligible. The Hwb Advisors can also advise on alternative methods of applying.
The webinars will also be recorded and available to view after the live events.
Deputy Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Linda Evans said: “In light of the winter fuel payments being cut by the UK Government, it is even more important that Carmarthenshire residents of state pension age find out if they are eligible for any additional support this winter.
“We are appealing to not only individuals who are claiming state pension but also to people who may be concerned for a family member, a friend or someone in your community. Our expert Hwb Advisors are friendly and are on hand to help you.”
All pensioners previously received the Winter Fuel Payment. Following the UK Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment scheme on 29 July 2024, it will now only be available to people who have reached pensionable age by 23 September 2024 (born before 23 September 1958) and their application must be submitted by 21 December 2024.
Eligibility:
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- a Council Tax discount
- a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
If you would like to know if you would be entitled to pension credit, you can call:
- Telephone: 0800 99 1234
- Claim what’s yours: 01267 234567
Useful links:
- Pension Credit calculator – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Pension Credit: How to claim – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Pension Credit calculator explainer (youtube.com)
- Pension Credit Calculator Explainer (Welsh) (youtube.com)
- Pension Credit: are you eligible? (youtube.com)
