State pensioners told do one thing to get £300 in bank accounts

Low-income pensioners are being urged to check if they qualify for Pension Credit if they don't currently get it. Pension Credit tops up income but, crucially, also means someone qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300.

Hundreds of thousands of pensioners don't claim it despite being eligible. Older people are being warned they have until December to be signed up otherwise they will miss out on Winter Fuel Payments this year.

It comes after the winter support was controversially made means-tested by the new Government. Pensioners are being urged to check if they could get Pension Credit, with relatives also being asked to help older loved ones through what can be a complicated process.

READ MORE: State pensioners to get £108 extra paid into bank accounts

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It's feared many have put off trying because it is too hard to find out, or people just assume they won't be able to get it. Winter Fuel Payments will start being paid out from November, but people will have until December to apply for Pension Credit.

Those who are successful will then get their winter payment once they are signed up. Citizens Advice said: "The rules for Winter Fuel Payments have recently changed. From winter 2024 you’ll now only get the payment if you or your partner get certain benefits, like Pension Credit.

"It’s worth applying for Pension Credit even if you don’t think you’ll get much. If you get Pension Credit you’ll be able to get other money and help like the Winter Fuel Payment. You'll get a Winter Fuel Payment if you're entitled to Pension Credit at any point between September 16 and 22, 2024.

"You'll still get a Winter Fuel Payment if you successfully apply for Pension Credit by December 21 - as long as your Pension Credit is backdated to any date between September 16 and 22. You won't get the Winter Fuel Payment until your Pension Credit claim is successful."