Pension Credit Drop-In sessions

West Berkshire Council is running dedicated drop-in sessions at local Libraries to help people find out if they're eligible for the pension credit benefit, which could include winter fuel payments.

Around 10 million pensioners are set to lose their winter fuel payments under changes being brought in by the Government.

Until now, all pensioners received the winter fuel payment to help with energy bills and the increased risk that they wouldn't be able to pay for adequate heating. Under the new rules, future payments will only be made to those getting pension credit or other means-tested help.

In West Berkshire alone it is estimated that around 600 pensioners have not yet claimed pension credit or applied to see if they're eligible.

Pension credit is separate from the State Pension and is worth, on average, over £3,900 a year and could provide extra cash to help with living costs to many people who need financial support.

The first session will be held at Newbury Library on Tuesday 19 November, 10am until 12 noon.

Representatives from the Council's Revenue and Benefits and Community Engagement teams will be on hand to help along with Age UK and Berkshire Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). Our Libraries Digital Services Officer will also be there to provide 1 to 1 support sessions if needed. 

Councillor Patrick Clark, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Public Healthsaid,

"We really want to make sure that all our local people are claiming the benefits they need and deserve and have been looking at practical ways to do this. Without the winter fuel allowance, many pensioners will struggle when the cold weather comes

"We know that many people prefer and need face to face help, and we are pleased to be able to provide that. If the first sessions are well received, we'll be looking to do more around the district to help as many people as possible to meet the 21 December application deadline.

"If you, or a family member or friend are aged 66 or over, you or they may be eligible for pension credit, so please spread the word about the sessions and come along if you can. We know that many people worry that it may affect any benefits they are receiving, but it is totally separate to the State Pension and could really give a much-needed financial boost."

If you, or anyone you know needs help to apply for pension credit, in the first instance, please contact Citizen's Advice West Berkshire  Tel: 01635 516605,

Age UK Berkshire  Tel: 0118 959 4242

Christians Against Poverty, Newbury Tel: 0800 328 0006

If you are a Housing Association tenant, please contact your Association direct as many have support officers to help with matters such as this.

If you do not have a computer, you can use one free of charge at your local Library. Call 07887 832 360 or find out more here 

Find more information about pension credit online.

You may also find this short video helpful  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD9e4mAAGdc