Don’t miss out on winter fuel cash – Ritchie

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today made a rallying call to people aged 60 or over, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to check if they are eligible.

This is particularly relevant as this year’s qualifying week for inclusion approaches. People aged 60 or over before 21 September 2008 can qualify for £250 per household, rising to £400 for those over 80 years.

The minister said: “Most people receive this important benefit automatically if they already receive a State Pension or other social security benefit (excluding Housing Benefit or Child Benefit). But I am concerned that there are others, perhaps those who are working, who do not realise that they are eligible. I would encourage them to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline to check if they can claim.

“The Winter Fuel Payment was introduced in 1997 to give financial assistance towards the cost of heating to people aged 60 and over. The payment has increased from £20 to its present £250 since it began which is well above the rate of inflation. With the increasing cost of fuel, there is no doubt that some older people may have difficulty budgeting this year. This payment will make a difference and I say to them – don’t miss out.”

The Winter Fuel Payment is available to people who reach the qualifying age during the week, 15 - 21 September 2008. Claim forms can be obtained by ringing the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 08459 15 15 15. Claims must be received by 30 March 2009 but those who submit their applications by 19 September 2008 should receive their payment before Christmas.

In addition to the Winter Fuel Payment, the department offers the Warm Homes Scheme which continues to be the main programme for tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. People aged 60 or over who own their own homes or rent from a private landlord (other than the Northern Ireland Housing Executive) and who are in receipt of means-tested benefits may be eligible for Warm Homes Plus, part of the department’s Warm Homes Scheme. Warm Homes Plus provides a whole house solution of insulation and repair or replacement of heating systems.

Minister Ritchie said: “The Warm Homes Scheme is a key element of our commitment to eliminate fuel poverty. Since 2001, over 60,000 households have benefited from energy efficiency measures ranging from hot water jackets to full central heating systems for pensioners. Funding has increased from just over £3m in 2001 to more than £20m in the current financial year.

“As a result I have been able to increase the target for the current financial year to 9,000 households, of which around 4,000 will receive central heating systems.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Winter Fuel Payment is available to both men and women aged 60 or over in the qualifying week, 15 – 21 September 2008.
2. Those not eligible include people who during the qualifying week have been living in residential care for the whole of that week and the previous 12 weeks or more and receive State Pension Credit or income based Jobseekers Allowance; have been receiving free in-patient hospital treatment for over 52 weeks; are detained in custody and sentenced; are subject to immigration control.
3. People who have questions about Winter Fuel Payments can contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for Textphone users). Calls are charged at local rate and the helpline is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
4. You can also go to the website www.dsdni.gov.uk
5. The Warm Homes Scheme provides a grant to persons on low incomes with children and to persons in receipt of benefits relating to ill health for the installation of insulation measures. Warm Homes Plus provides a grant to elderly persons (over 60's) on low incomes and means tested benefits to provide a whole house solution of insulation and repair or replacement of heating systems.
6. The current limit for payments of Warm Homes grant is £850 and the limit for payments of Warm Homes Plus grant is £4,300.
7. The contact number for the Warm Homes Scheme is 0800 181 667.
8. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.