Dear Resident,
As you will be aware, the Government has made changes to Winter Fuel Payments, meaning that
the majority of pensioners will now lose access to this allowance. Whilst I voted to oppose these
changes, given its passage through the House of Commons, it is crucial to me that those who
remain eligible for assistance are fully informed and able to access the support.
To receive a Winter Fuel Payment, you will now need to qualify via means testing. That means
testing will be based on whether you are eligible for Pension Credit or not during the week of
16 – 22 September 2024. You only need to be eligible for one day during this qualifying week to
benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
You have until 21 December 2024 to apply for Pension Credit, which is the last possible date
to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.
It is really important that you check whether you, or a loved one, might be eligible for Pension
Credit.
You can do this online at: apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start
You can also call the claim line on 0800 99 1234. You’ll need the following details to hand:
•⁠ ⁠Your National Insurance number.
•⁠ ⁠Your bank account details.
•⁠ ⁠Information about your income, savings and investments.
•⁠ ⁠Information about your pension (if you have one).
•⁠ ⁠Details of any housing costs (such as service charges or ground rent) and your partner’s details
(if relevant).

You can call Age UK Northamptonshire to get more help on this via their advice line on 01604
611200, or go online to their website at www.ageuk.org.uk.
Citizens Advice hold drop-in sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays 0930-1230 in the
Northampton Guildhall.
Please do get in touch via email at sarah.bool.mp@parliament.uk or via phone on 01327 353124
if you have any further questions.

Important Changes to Winter Fuel Letter to RESIDENTS_
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Bool MP
Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire