In the last couple of months we have seen temperatures in Ongar either remain resolutely below zero for a week at a time, or reach such levels of warmth that spring flowers and buds start appearing in some confusion.
The colder spells are difficult for those who need to keep their homes warm, and my colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions have asked me to remind you that pensioners across the United Kingdom should have started to receive payments of up to £600 to help with energy bills and should check whether they are entitled to claim Pension Credit.
The Winter Fuel Payments are boosted this year by an additional Pensioner Cost of Living payment of £300 for each household to help people cope with the colder winter months.
I am keen all pensioners in my Brentwood and Ongar constituency are getting the support to which they are entitled. Pension Credit provides an income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,500 on average. Although take-up is at the highest level since 2010, and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it, there are still too many missing out - you can check your eligibility at the link below.
With household budgets under pressure, even a small award of Pension Credit can open up additional other help and support, such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills, a free over-75s TV licence and most importantly right now the additional cost of living payments.
You can find more information online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or the freephone helpline on 0800 99 1234.
