Council says 'not its responsibility' to identify those eligible for payments

The energy cap rise began today as Winter Fuel Payments have been removed for many

Bristol City Council has said that it is not the responsibility of the authority to identify pensioners who may be entitled to Pension Credit payments. It gives pensioners extra money if on a low income and have reached the state pension age.

Pension Credit can help top-up a household’s weekly income to £218.15 if single and to £332.95 as a joint income. Receiving Pension Credit means that pensioners will be eligible for other benefits, including Winter Fuel Payments.

Those receiving the benefit would automatically also get Cold Weather Payments, meaning that if temperatures are recorded or forecasted to be at zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days, a payment of £25 is made per seven days. Pensioners receiving a top-up can also get help with NHS costs and those over 75 years of age can apply for a free TV licence.

Winter Fuel Payments were cut earlier this year and are only available to those who are in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits including Universal Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support. A national campaign to encourage as many people to claim Pension Credit since the cuts were announced in July has seen many pensioners check whether they could be eligible.

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But Bristol City Council told Bristol Live that it does not see itself responsible for identifying those who could be eligible for the payments. It said that the responsibility to identify those who may receive the benefit falls to the Department of Work & Pensions. It added that organisations like Age UK and welfare right groups may be able to support with information.

Some charities are able to provide help and support to pensioners who are concerned about changes to finance as a result of the energy cap rise which came into effect today. Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is offering help to those on the edge of Bristol.

The closing date for those wanting to apply for Pension Credit is Saturday, December 21. The application can be backdated by three months from the start of the application so the first payment may be a combined three months worth of benefit.

To apply for Pension Credit, pensioners need their National Insurance number and information about any income, savings and investments about them and their partner. If wanting to backdate the application by three months, information about income, savings and investments up to the backdate would be needed. Bank details are required.