Information on Loughborough

Residents of Loughborough and Charnwood urged to claim winter fuel allowance

Posted on 23/08/2008

Winter scene

Apply for your Winter Fuel Payments now says Labour

Eric Goodyer, Labours Prospective MP urges older people in Loughborough and Charnwood to claim extra help for heating bills this winter

Eric Goodyer has urged older people to get their applications in for Winter Fuel Payments in as quickly as possible. That way older people in Loughborough and the rest of Charnwood will get their payments by Christmas. The Winter Fuel Payment is one of a number of initiatives Labour has introduced to help older people keep warm and well during the winter months. Anyone aged 60 or over on or before 21 September 2008 may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of £250 per household. Households with someone aged 80 or over could get a payment of £400.

Anyone aged 60 or over who is eligible and has not got a claim form can get one by visiting the Winter Fuel Payment website – www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel , by calling the helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users). Amongst those who are eligible are people already in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment whos circumstance have not change; and those in receipt of a State Pension or some qualifying social security benefit. If you are unsure then Charnwood Labour Party is advising you to ask by calling the helpline.

The Labour Party is also urging people to consider home inprovements to enable better energy efficiency. The Warm Front scheme ( www.warmfront.co.uk) offers grants in England to help with the costs, so it is wrthwhile contacting them to see if you are eligible for help; either via their website or on freephone 0800 316 6011, textphone 0800 072 0156 (from 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday).

 

Eric Goodyer, Labours Prospective MP for Charnwood told in-Loughborough:

“Even though it is mid-summer I do not want anyone to miss out on their Winter Fuel Payment; especially with energy prices being forced up by speculators. If you think you may qualify then it is worth a phone call”

"This year for households including someone aged 60-79 there will be an extra £50 this year – 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.”