Millions could get extra £3,500 for heating bills this winter, check if you’re eligible

After Storm Ciaran, the cold has truly set up for the winter. For many households, the winter can be a very difficult time due to the extra cost it takes to keep their homes warm. Luckily for some, they are entitled to benefits to help to make it through the winter months.

However, according to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), around 850,000 pensioners could be missing out on an extra £3,500 to help pay for their heating bills. Moreover, the payment can be backdated for up to three months if you haven’t claimed your money yet.

You could get an extra £3,500 this winter

If the recent storms that ravaged the UK are anything to go by, this winter could be another harsh one. Naturally, many Brits will be looking for ways to save money on heating this winter, which Martin Lewis can help with!

For pensioners, it is quite simple, you could be eligible for an extra £3,500 through the Pension Credit. Currently, the Pension Credit helps around 1.4 million pensioners in the country, as per Mirror.

The Pension Credit will complete the claimant’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for a single pensioner, and to £306.85 for couples, or if a person has a disability or caring responsibility, as per Daily Record.

Who is eligible for this extra payment?

To be eligible for the Pension Credit, you must be over 65 and have reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016. Moreover, you will qualify for the benefit if your weekly income is less than:

• £240.90 if you are single
• £351.45 if you are a couple

If you haven’t claimed your Credit Pension beforehand, you can be backdated up to three months.

To apply for the Pension Credit, you will need the following documents:

• Earnings, benefits and pensions
• Savings and investments

You will also need to provide the following information:

• Your National Insurance number
• Information about your income, savings and investments
• Your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post

If you are applying for a backdated payment, you will need the details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want to start your claim.

Read more:

⋙ Benefit rule change means you could claim money back from DWP, check if you're eligible

⋙ Save £100s on your energy bills this winter by following these tips from Martin Lewis

⋙ As energy bills are set to rise this winter, here’s how you can save £400

Sources used:

Mirror: ‘Millions of people could be due a £3,500 income top up this winter’

Daily Record: ‘Older people living on their own could be due £3,500 income top-up this winter’