Claim Winter Fuel Payment

Mr McQuillan told the Times: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Winter Fuel Awareness Campaign being carried out by the Social Security Agency for those who have become eligible to claim for the Winter Fuel Payment.

“The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help people born on or before the 5th July 1950, with the cost of keeping warm this winter. It is particularly important this year as many will struggle to heat their homes as a result of the economic situation.

“I would encourage everyone who is entitled to receive this payment to make their claim as soon as possible.”

Householders up to 79 years will receive 250 and those aged 80 years and above will receive 400.

Automatic payments will be made to those who received the Winter Fuel Payment last year, or those who were born on or before July 5, 1950 and get State Pension or another social security benefit (excluding Housing Benefit or Child Benefit) during the September 20-26, 2010

Further information can be found on www.nidirect.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.