15 August 2006
DON'T MISS OUT ON WINTER FUEL CASH - HANSON
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before should check if they are eligible.
That is the message from Social Development Minister David Hanson as this year's qualifying week for inclusion approaches. People aged over 60 can qualify for £200 per household, rising to £300 for those over 80 years. The Minister said: "Most people receive this important benefit automatically if they already receive a State Pension or other Social Security Benefit. But we are concerned that there are others, perhaps those who are working, who do not realise that they are eligible. We would encourage them to contact the Social Security Agency to check if they can claim.
"Winter Fuel Payment was introduced in 1997 to help people towards their fuel costs. It has increased from £20 to its present £200 since it began; well above the rate of inflation. There is no doubt that some older people have difficulty budgeting for the cost of fuel. This payment will make a difference and I say to them - don't miss out."
The winter fuel payment is available to people who reach the qualifying ages during the qualifying week, 18 - 24 September 2006. Claim forms can be obtained by ringing 08459 15 15 15. The deadline for claims to cover the coming winter is 30 March 2007.
People aged over 60 who are in receipt of means-tested benefits may also be eligible for the Homes Plus Scheme which provides heating and insulation to over 60s in receipt of means tested benefits. The Minister pointed out that the eligibility criteria for the scheme were extended in the last Budget to include people over 60 on non means-tested benefits such as attendance allowance. He said: "The Warm Home Scheme is a key element of our commitment to eliminate fuel poverty. Over the last four years more that 25,000 families have benefited from energy efficiency measures ranging from hot water jackets to full central heating systems for pensioners. Funding has increased from just over £3 million in 2001 to more than £20 million in the current financial year.
"As a result I have been able to increase the target for the current financial year from 8,250 to 10,000, of which around 4,000 will receive central heating systems."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Winter Fuel Payment is available to both men and women age 60 or over in the qualifying week, 18 - 24 September.
- Those not eligible include people who during the qualifying week are living permanently in residential care and receiving Income Support; have been receiving free in-patient hospital treatment for over 52 weeks; are detained in custody and sentenced; are subject to immigration control.
- People who have questions about Winter Fuel Payments can contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for Textphone users). Calls are charged at local rate and the helpline is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
- You can also go to the website www.dsdni.gov.uk
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