Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes is urging pensioners across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven to ensure they have received their Winter Fuel Payment for 2018/2019.
Those who have reached state pension age are entitled to claim an annual tax free payment of up to £300 to help meet the cost of their winter fuel bills.
SNP MP for West Dunbartonshire Martin Docherty-Hughes says he wants to help his elderly constituents ensure they don’t miss out on any financial assistance they’re entitled to.
More than 16,000 eligible older people across West Dunbartonshire should have received the Winter Fuel Payment by 14th January 2019, which for most will have been paid automatically in November and December.
However, anyone who is eligible and has not received the payment has until 31 March 2019 to make a claim. Enquires can be made to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160, or the claim form can be completed online at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-fuel-payment-claim-form
The Winter Fuel Payments scheme is separate from the Cold Weather Payments scheme, under which recipients of certain benefits receive automatic payments of £25 a week during periods of very cold weather.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“The costs of heating your home during winter can be difficult, especially for vulnerable residents. I want to make sure pensioners in West Dunbartonshire are receiving all the financial assistance they’re entitled to.
“A total of 16,710 older people across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven are entitled to a payment of between £100 and £300 this year to help meet the cost of their winter fuel bills.
“Eligible residents who have not received their Winter Fuel Payment have until 31 March to make a claim. My advice to constituents is to check their records and contact the payment helpline as soon as possible on 0800 731 0160.
“Anyone living in West Dunbartonshire experiencing difficulty in claiming their Winter Fuel Payment can contact me on martin.docherty.mp@parliament.uk or 0141 952 2988.”
