There are just three days left to apply for Pension Credit in time to receive this year's Winter Fuel Payment.

Changes to the Winter Fuel Payment made by Labour's Autumn Budget have resulted in a means-tested change to the payment, meaning only those above pension age and in receipt of benefits can receive the energy bill payment.

The payment is worth from £100 to £300 and aims to support pensioners in coping with increasing heating and energy costs.

To receive Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025 you must be born before September 23 1958, and must be in receipt of one of the following:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

If you are not in receipt of any of the above, you have until midnight on Saturday 21 - the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit to receive Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit offers extra money to help with living costs if you are on a low income and are above State Pension age. It is separate from your State Pension and can be used to help with housing costs. 

Pension Credit boosts weekly income to a minimum of £218.15 for single people and £332.95 for couples, and gains you access to a lot of additional help and bills. 

The number of applications for pension credit jumped 145 per cent following Chancellor Rachel Reeves statement in October.

You can check your eligibility for Pension Credit on the Government website, here.