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28/11/2005
Around 280,000 to benefit from winter fuel payments
A warmer winter is in the offing for more than 280,000 people thanks to the Winter Fuel Payments from the Social Security Agency.
People aged over 60 could qualify for £200 per household, rising to £300 for those over 80 years. Brian Doherty, Assistant Director of Pensions and Anti-Poverty said: “Most people receive this important benefit automatically if they already receive a State Pension or other Social Security Benefit. But we are concerned that there are others, perhaps those who are working, who do not realise that they are eligible. We would encourage them to contact the Social Security Agency to check if they can claim.
“If anyone thinks they need to make a claim then call the helpline on 08459 15 15 15, or visit our website at www.dsdni.gov.uk.”
He continued: “People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before should check if they are eligible and I want to remind all of those people – don’t miss out”
The winter fuel payment is available to people who reach the qualifying ages during the qualifying week, 19 - 25 September 2005. Claim forms can be obtained by ringing 08459 151515. The deadline for claims to cover the coming winter is 30 March 2006.
The Government is also making Age-Related Payments this year to help pensioners with their rates bills or other living expenses.
People aged 65 or over and not in receipt of the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, could receive £200 per household to help with rates bills. People aged 70 or over and are in receipt of the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, could receive £50 to help with their living expenses.
Age-Related Payments will be paid with Winter Fuel Payments.
(SP/GB)
People aged over 60 could qualify for £200 per household, rising to £300 for those over 80 years. Brian Doherty, Assistant Director of Pensions and Anti-Poverty said: “Most people receive this important benefit automatically if they already receive a State Pension or other Social Security Benefit. But we are concerned that there are others, perhaps those who are working, who do not realise that they are eligible. We would encourage them to contact the Social Security Agency to check if they can claim.
“If anyone thinks they need to make a claim then call the helpline on 08459 15 15 15, or visit our website at www.dsdni.gov.uk.”
He continued: “People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before should check if they are eligible and I want to remind all of those people – don’t miss out”
The winter fuel payment is available to people who reach the qualifying ages during the qualifying week, 19 - 25 September 2005. Claim forms can be obtained by ringing 08459 151515. The deadline for claims to cover the coming winter is 30 March 2006.
The Government is also making Age-Related Payments this year to help pensioners with their rates bills or other living expenses.
People aged 65 or over and not in receipt of the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, could receive £200 per household to help with rates bills. People aged 70 or over and are in receipt of the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, could receive £50 to help with their living expenses.
Age-Related Payments will be paid with Winter Fuel Payments.
(SP/GB)
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14 October 2013
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
17 November 2004
Social Fund pays out more than £63m
The Social Fund has paid out more than £63 million over the last year, the Government said today.
Social Fund pays out more than £63m
The Social Fund has paid out more than £63 million over the last year, the Government said today.
17 September 2003
Over 60's urged to claim £200 winter fuel payment
Social Development Minister, John Spellar, has urged Northern Ireland's over 60’s to ensure they claim their Winter Fuel Payment in time for Christmas. Last year, more than 250,000 people benefited from the £200 payment in Northern Ireland. The Minister said: “Most people who qualify for this money will receive it automatically.
Over 60's urged to claim £200 winter fuel payment
Social Development Minister, John Spellar, has urged Northern Ireland's over 60’s to ensure they claim their Winter Fuel Payment in time for Christmas. Last year, more than 250,000 people benefited from the £200 payment in Northern Ireland. The Minister said: “Most people who qualify for this money will receive it automatically.
02 September 2024
Alliance Raise Concerns Over Cuts To Winter Fuel Payments
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the impact of UK Government restrictions on Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) to recipients of Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.
Alliance Raise Concerns Over Cuts To Winter Fuel Payments
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the impact of UK Government restrictions on Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) to recipients of Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A largely cloudy day with occasional rain. Turning drier and brighter for a time in the afternoon and feeling very mild. Light southerly winds becoming strong with gales later along the County Down coast. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these heavy at times. Strong southerly winds, with gales in the evening across eastern counties, becoming westerly later. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
