Pensioners warned just hours left to claim key benefit and access Winter Fuel Payment

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Pensioners are being warned not to miss a deadline to access key benefits. The cut-off for making a claim for Pension Credit to qualify for the 2024/25 winter fuel payment is midnight on December 21.

A phone line for people making a claim for the first time is being opened between 8am and 3.15pm today, Saturday, on 0800 99 1234.

The government estimates that 760,000 pensioner households are eligible for pension credit but do not claim it. But following Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcement earlier this year, only those claiming the benefit, or other means-tested benefits, can now access the Winter Fuel Payment.

Martin Lewis among those urging pensioners not to miss out and is encouraging people to help older family members or friends to apply before tonight's deadline.