British Gas is sending out important letters to pensioners to ensure everyone understands their right to pension credit as winter approaches.
British Gas Urges Pensioners to Claim Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments
Energy company British Gas is contacting pensioners to inform them of ways to earn extra income. According to the company, it will contact elderly customers on low incomes to ensure they are aware of pension credit.
Despite being entitled to Pension Credit, hundreds of thousands of older people choose not to claim it. It's important to note that, as well as increasing income, this measure also entitles people to a winter fuel allowance of up to £300.
To ensure that as many people as possible check their eligibility, the government has launched an awareness campaign. British Gas has promised to do its part to educate consumers.
British Gas Urges Pensioners to Register for Pension Credit
In order to ensure that they receive Winter Fuel Payments, pensioners have until December to register for Pension Credit. If they fail to do so, they will lose up to £300 that could have gone to them.
Following the means-testing of winter benefits, which included pension credit as a crucial qualifying benefit, it follows that winter benefits will no longer be paid to millions of people. This year, payments will no longer be made to millions of people. The pension credit will improve the winter heating allowance, even if it's only a few pounds more.
Customers should expect to receive letters from British Gas in the coming weeks. It is the energy company's “responsibility” to ensure that they are fully informed.
Chris O'Shea, chief executive of British Gas' parent firm Centrica, said: “At the end of each week or month there will be those that have little, if any, money left after paying for life's essentials. We are committed to ensuring that all pensioners are fully informed about their eligibility for pension credit, which can make a significant difference in their financial wellbeing.”