Many Could Miss Out On Fuel Payments

12.00.00am GMT Thu 30th Dec 2004

The Liberal Democrats are urging the government to do more to ensure all those entitled to winter fuel payments get them. According to the government's own estimates more than 30,000 older people entitled to the payments could miss out.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Derby South, Councillor Lucy Care stated, "The government must do all it can to make sure people do not miss out on this winter payment. Many of the older people who may not be aware of this payment will live in Derby. I urge them to make a claim before the end of March deadline".

Most people aged 60 or over are entitled to up to £200 this winter to help towards the cost of heating. This increases for people aged 80 or over to up to £300. Those most likely to miss the payment are men aged 60 to 64 who are still in work and have not claimed the fuel payments before. Claims must be made by March 30th 2005,and people need to have been 60 or over in the qualifying week of 20-26 September 2004.

Anyone who thinks they may be entitled to winter fuel payments and have not made a claim should call 08459 151515 to make a claim.