The Government has recently announced that the Winter Fuel Payment will become means-tested. This means that only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive Winter Fuel Payment this year and beyond.

Thousands of people are entitled to Pension Credit but don’t claim it. We encourage all pensioners to check if they could be entitled to Pension Credit. If you are eligible this will secure the Winter Fuel Payment, a tax-free payment designed to help you cover your heating costs worth up to £300. 

Receipt of Pension Credit can also give extra help with health costs, housing costs and council tax. So check if you are eligible! You have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain!

You can use an online benefit calculator to help you check if you are entitled to Pension Credit, or to any other benefits. Age UK have a benefits calculator on their website and there is also one on the Turn2Us charity website. Both are free and confidential.

We can also offer advice and information on Pension Credit. Please see our get advice page for details of how to contact us.

Many people are in precarious or unstable work. This includes people on zero-hours contracts and other types of employment.

If you are in this type of work, a new video may help. We have produced this in partnership with students from the Public Legal Education module at University of Warwick. It can be accessed through our advice pages.

We are making some changes to our advice service delivery to better meet your needs.

From Monday 4th September, we will have a single contact phone number. This is to avoid confusion and help us offer a better service to you.

Our single contact number is 024 7652 1100. (If you call the ‘old’ advice line number you will be automatically redirected.)

Although there is just one number, there will usually be several people available to answer calls at the same time. We continue to offer our online enquiry service and advice by appointment at several community venues where needed.

Our telephone line will be open every weekday as follows:

• Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 10-12 and 2-4
• Wednesday and Thursday: 10-12 only

If you would like to offer feedback on our service, please complete our survey.