PENSIONERS in Somerset may be missing out on payments that could help to boost their income.

Citizens Advice Somerset (CAS) wants to make as many people as possible aware of support that is available to them after the government announced plans to scrap winter fuel payments for those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits, worth between £100 and £300.

According to CAS, figures show that pension credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits with nearly 900,000 households across the country that have not yet claimed.

A successful application for pension credit will also give you automatic eligibility for the winter fuel payment

A CAS spokesperson said: “If you have reached state pension age and are on a low weekly income – below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple – you should check to see if you are eligible to apply for pension credit.

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“You can still apply though even if your income is higher due to receiving severe disability or carer’s addition.

“Even if you don’t get much pension credit it could still be worth applying as you may also be able to eligible for council tax reduction and money off your water bill.”

The government has said it will take “concrete action” to support people as we approach the colder months despite the plans for limiting the winter fuel payment by protecting the triple lock, keeping energy bills low through the warm homes plan to help insulate homes and redoubling their efforts to make sure that all pensioners eligible for winter fuel payments are signed up.

The deadline to apply for pension credit and still receive the winter fuel payment is December 21 if your application is successful.

You can find more information and details on how to apply by searching online for ‘Check if you can get pension credit – Citizens Advice’.

Alternatively, you can use the pension credit calculator to check your eligibility at www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator

You can claim pension credit through the telephone claim line on 0800 99 1234 (open Mon-Fri, 8.00am – 6.00pm) or online through the gov.uk website.