Martin Lewis says claim free £300 winter payment many 'assume' they aren't owed

The BBC Sounds and ITV star has spoken out in the latest Money Saving Expert newsletter, discussing the need to check your eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Martin Lewis has urged people to claim a £300 payment many "assume" they aren't owed. The BBC Sounds and ITV star has spoken out in the latest Money Saving Expert newsletter, discussing the need to check your eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Mr Lewis wrote: "Don't assume it's not you! I'm delighted to say we're swamped with: 'I can't believe it, I was sure we weren't due, but we checked, we are! Thank you' messages." Mr Lewis explained how the new Labour Party government has cut the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners.

But he warned: "More people are eligible than they think they are..." People should check are those of state pension age, aged 66 and above, and if you earn under £218 then you are likely to get it - if you're single. If you earn under £235 a week, you MAY get it.

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Couples earning under £333 a week are likely to get it, and those earning under £350 MAY get it. Mr Lewis said: "A 'couple' means spouses, civil partners, or someone you live with as a couple. You must both be of state pension age. If your partner isn't yet, you may still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment via Universal Credit."

He added: "If in doubt, JUST CHECK. Better to ask & not get, than not ask & miss out... Online eligibility check: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator Or call up: 0800 99 1234 (N. Ireland: 0808 100 6165) - they can do the whole application by phone. Need help or independent advice? Call the Age UK helpline or contact your local Citizens Advice."

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but in some cases, you might still be able to claim - for example, if you have a severe disability or you're a carer.

Pension Credit also means you could become eligible for other discounts and freebies, including a free TV licence for over-75s, free home insulation and boiler grants, free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses and contact lenses.