Warmer winter for more than 300,000 people

It will be a warmer winter for more than 300,000 people thanks to the Winter Fuel Payments from the Social Security Agency.

Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development said that people aged 60 or over could qualify for £250 per household, rising to £400 for those 80 years or over:

“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 forwards 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 ages during the qualifying week, 15 - 21 September 2008.  Claim forms can be obtained by ringing the Winter Fuel Payment helpline 08459 15 15 15.  Claims for the coming winter must be received no later than 30 March 2009.

Notes to Editors:

1.Winter Fuel Payment is available to both men and women age 60 and over in the qualifying week, 15 – 21 September.

2.People who have questions about Winter Fuel Payments can contact the helpline on 0845 915 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for Textphone users). Calls to 0845 numbers from BT landlines should costs no more than 4p a minute with 6p charge for setting up the call.  The line is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

3.Further information is also available at the Department for Social Development’s website:  www.dsdni.gov.uk  

4.Further news media enquiries to DSD Press Office tel. 02890 829497 or out-of-office-hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on 07699 715440.