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Eligible residents must apply for Pension Credit by 21 December in order to qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment which is £200 if you are over state pension age and on low income or £300 if aged over 80.
After recent government changes, only residents who receive Pension Credit will automatically obtain the winter fuel payment which helps pay heating bills for winter 2024-25.
If eligible for payments, the 2024 Winter Fuel Payment will be paid directly into bank accounts from now until 29 January 2025.
Pension Credit also gives North Somerset residents extra money to help with living costs. Pension credit can also help with housing costs - even if you own your home or have savings.
North Somerset Council staff will be available at the following times and locations to support anyone wishing to make an application for Pension Credit before the 21 December deadline:
| Location | Day | Date | Time |
| Mobile - Wrington stop | Wed | 18th | 14:00 - 16:30 |
| Healthy Living Centre | Tue | 17th | 9:30 - 11:30 |
| Healthy Living Centre | Wed | 18th | 14:00 - 16:00 |
| Weston Library | Wed | 18th | 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Weston Library | Fri | 20th | 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Clevedon Library | Mon | 16th | 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Clevedon Library | Tue | 17th | 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Nailsea Library | Thur | 19th | 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Portishead Library | Tue | 17th | 10:00 - 12:00 |
| Yatton Library | Mon | 16th | 14:00 - 16:00 |
| Yatton Library | Thur | 19th | 10:00 - 12:00 |
Please bring the following information to the drop-in events as residents will need these to make a claim - National Insurance number, information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago) and bank account details, including your bank/building society number and sort code.
Pension Credit can also provide support with heating costs, rent and Council Tax, a free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over and help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.
To be eligible you must be over state pension age and on a low income. Pension credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single and £332.95 if you have a partner. You may also get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs.
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council said: “Do come along to any of our drop-in events to help you to learn if you are eligible to apply for Pension Credit. Our officers will be available to support you through the application process so not only will you receive Pension Credit going forward, but also this year’s winter fuel payment. Please remember to bring the key information you’ll need to support your application process including your national insurance number, bank account and sort code number and details of your income, savings, and investments.”
To apply online for Pension Credit, please visit Information you will need to apply online - Apply for Pension Credit