Fuel bill help for elderly

WINTER Fuel Payments are now being sent out to help older people in Rotherham with their heating costs.

Last year a total of 40,670 households in Rotherham received a payment.

Minister for Pensions, Steve Webb said: "We know that older people have higher heating costs which is why we kept our promise to protect Winter Fuel Payments.

"Over nine million households will benefit from the payment this winter to help with heating costs. This is on top of additional help through Cold Weather Payments if temperatures plummet.

"People should have the confidence to turn up their heating as winter hits."

Most households with someone born on or before 5 July 1950 will receive £250 towards their winter fuel bills. Households with someone aged 80 and over will get £400.

Most payments will be paid automatically between now and January. If your payment hasn't arrived by then, you can contact the office that pays your benefit.

New customers who haven't claimed yet, still have time, but we must receive your claim form no later than 30 March 2011. Go online for more information www.direct.gov.uk/winterfuel

TODAY'S TOP LINKS

The best competition yet! That's the verdict of reader KIMMIBOB on your chance to win our fantastic iPad. Click here to enter.

Getting ready for Christmas? Check out our Festive Feature pages. Click here.