Make sure you get your winter fuel payment

Thursday 2 September 2010

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has reiterated the call for applications now for the winter fuel payment in time for Christmas.

He said: "I urge people to get the help they are entitled to and apply early. If you were born on or before July 5 1950 and have not received winter fuel payments before, please check you are eligible before September 24. If you apply before then, the payment will arrive before Christmas. This would be a massive boost to the home economy during the colder months.

"We should not have the situation where elderly people have to choose whether to heat or eat and the winter fuel payment will go a long way to eradicate that. With so many people in fuel poverty here it's imperative that everybody has the chance to apply for this payment.

"I also encourage people to make the most of their Winter Fuel Payment by making sure that their home is as energy efficient as possible. If they need help or assistance with this they can contact the Energy Saving Trust's advice centre.

"The three causes of fuel poverty are the cost of fuel, low incomes and poor energy efficiency standards in houses, particularly older houses. People most likely to suffer fuel poverty are elderly people, often living alone, often living in isolated rural houses and people in older inner city houses. Therefore, it is of great importance that everybody who is eligible can receive this payment.

"I welcome the initiative taken on this issue by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood. £250 towards fuel is a massive contribution and will hopeful provide comfort and peace of mind for many of our elderly people who deserve it during the winter months."