Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien today urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before Friday, March 28. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.

The Minister said:

"Following recent increases in fuel costs, it's more important than ever that older people claim all the help they're entitled to.

"Over eight million households, and more than 12 million people, will get help towards their winter fuel bill this year.

"The vast majority received their Winter Fuel Payments before Christmas. But there may still be people out there who have not claimed this money.

"I'd urge everyone who hasn't claimed their money to call the helpline now and get a claim form."

Most people do not need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if they have received it previously, or are already claiming State Pension or another social security benefit (other than Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit).

Cllr Matt Cooke said:

"It's no coincidence that Labour introduced Winter Fuel Payments for the over 60's and it was good news that in this year's budget- announced last week- the Labour Government increased by £50 the amount for over-60's and an extra £100 for all those over 80. The Tories, however, have said they would not continue to fund these payments which help millions of pensioners with their Winter fuel bills - it's Labour that's really delivering for our pensioners"

Those who haven't received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or who were not in receipt of a relevant social security benefit in the qualifying week will need to make a claim.

The number to call is 08459 15 15 15.

Notes to editors
1. This deadline relates to Winter Fuel Payments for 2007/08. In Winter 2008/09 an extra £50 for households with someone over-60, and an extra £100 for households with someone over-80, will be paid alongside the Winter Fuel Payment.

2. Anyone aged 60 or over on or before 23 September 2007 may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of £200 per household. Households with someone aged 80 or over could get a payment of £300.

3. Eligible people who would have received their Winter Fuel Payment automatically include:

- those who received a payment last year and whose circumstances have not changed.
- those who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before but received a State Pension or other social security benefit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) in the qualifying week 17-23 September 2007

4. Those people who are newly eligible and who need to claim, and have not already received a claim form, can get one by visiting the Winter Fuel Payment website - http://www.thepensionservi ce.gov.uk/winterfuel, by calling the helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users).