John Denham has  urged older people to get their applications in for Winter Fuel Payments in as quickly as possible.  That way older people in Southampton will get their payments by Christmas.

John Denham said “Although it is the middle of summer we have to think of the colder months ahead.  I don’t want anyone to miss out on the help they are entitled to. If you haven’t received a Winter Fuel Payment before – and are not receiving State Pension or another social security benefit (other than Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Child Benefit) – you need to apply.   

"I know things are tough at the moment and people are worried about energy bills.  So I supported action to increase how much money older people get to help with heating costs.

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

John Denham also encouraged people to look at other ways to save money on their heating bills. 

“Now is also the ideal time of year to check on the energy efficiency of your home. Proper insulation can make a real difference to your bills.  It's hard to believe but as much as £1 in every £3 spent on heating bills is wasted in poorly insulated homes.  Many people (not just the elderly) may be eligible for grants to improve insulation and heating.  For more infromation click here to go the Warm Front website.

“I’d also encourage people to contact their energy suppliers to see whether they qualify for a reduced tariff and find out what they provide to improve energy efficiency.

“Customers should also shop around and consider switching their energy supplier as different firms offer different tariffs.  You can save from switching and most people will save £130-150 in total.”

Notes:

1. 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.

2.      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.

3.      People over 60 who are newly eligible and who need to claim, and have not already received 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).

4.      The final deadline for completed Winter Fuel Payment claim forms for this winter is 30 March 2009.

5.      Eligible people who will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically include:

o        those who received a payment last year and whose circumstances have not changed.

o        those who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before but will receive a State Pension or other social security benefit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) in the qualifying week 15-21 September 2008

6.      People who normally receive Winter Fuel Payments automatically, but have had a change of circumstances since last years payment, must contact The Pension Service to ensure their payments continue. This could include a change in bank account, a new address or a change in benefit entitlement.