Free Pension Credit Advice Sessions available at Yate Citizens Advice

Pensioners who are concerned about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment will be able to attend free advice sessions on Pension Credit.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is responding to increased interest from the public around Pension Credit by offering three drop-in sessions.

These will allow anyone who is struggling and worried about losing the Winter Fuel Payment the opportunity to speak to a trained Adviser about Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is a benefit for pensioners on a low income, which brings their weekly income up to a minimum amount.

Receiving Pension Credit also unlocks the Winter Fuel Payment – which is now available only to pensioners on means-tested benefits.

The payment is usually worth £200 to £300 and from 1997 to this year was universal – meaning it was made to all pensioners with some exceptions.

But the Government has now changed the rules as part of efforts to cut the deficit.

Pension Credit is under-claimed nationally. The Policy In Practice organisation estimates there was £2.2 billion worth of Pension Credit unclaimed across Britain last year.

It estimates there were 2,188 missed Pension Credit claims in South Gloucestershire alone - worth £5.2 million.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire has seen a 65% increase in enquiries about Pension Credit since the announcement of changes to the Winter Fuel Payment compared to the same period last year.

The charity wants to give pensioners all the help they need to access Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment if they are eligible.

The sessions are completely free and will run from the charity's office in Kennedy Way, Yate, BS37 4DQ at the following dates and times:

Friday 11th October 2pm-4pm

Friday 8th November 2pm-4pm

Friday 6th December 2pm-4pm

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire's Chief Executive Office Chantal Watts said: "We know many people are concerned about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and want to know how they can access Pension Credit.

"We are holding these drop-in sessions to give pensioners the specific help they need around claiming Pension Credit.

"If you are eligible for this benefit it's important you claim it as it opens up other support such as the Winter Fuel Payment."

You can also check our Pension Credit advice on the national Citizens Advice website.