Pensions - Articles - This week is key for winter fuel allowance eligibility

 This week is the ‘qualifying week’ for pension credit, which means that you need to be entitled to pension credit for at least one day in week September 16 to 22 to be eligible for a winter fuel payment for this winter. The good news is that as pension credit claims can be backdated by three months, you have until the 21st December to apply - however it’s worth checking your eligibility as soon as you can to make sure you don’t miss out.
 
 “It’s estimated that around 880,000 people who are eligible for pension credit don’t take it up. Some mistakenly believe that if they have some savings or their own home they won’t be entitled to pension credit, while others worry about a perceived stigma attached to claiming. However, eligibility is wider than often assumed and Pension Credit can be a real lifeline when times are tough – especially now. If you’re above state pension age and on a low income, definitely check your eligibility on the government’s online Pension Credit calculator to make sure you’re getting all available help.”