Are you over 60 years of age and missing out on a Winter Fuel Payment?

All people aged 60 plus at the 24 September 2006 are eligible to receive help with their fuel bills from the Government.  

Help the Aged carried out a survey that showed up to 40,000 people were losing out on the annual £200 one-off payment.

Councillor Cherry Young, Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Social Justice Committee on her visit to the Help the Aged shop in Ayr said:  “At this time of the year the temperature is dropping, people are spending more time indoors and turning up their heating.  This will lead to bigger fuel bills in the coming months, and meeting the cost of these bills can be particularly hard for people over 60 years of age, many of whom are retired and on a fixed income.

“Anyone over 60 years of age can claim the Winter Fuel Payment, there is no means testing, and the £200 will make a difference.”

People that already receive a Winter Fuel Payment do not need to reapply. 

Anyone who would like to apply for a Winter Fuel Payment should telephone 08459 151 515 or text 0845 601 5613.

South Ayrshire Council Welfare staff can assist people with enquiries about a range of benefits and staff can be contacted on telephone number 01292 268119.

Displaying their new winter scarves within the Help the Aged shop in the High Street in Ayr are Councillor Cherry Young, (extreme left) along with staff from the shop and Council Welfare staff.  

October 2006