OLDER people in Blackpool, Fleetwood and Fylde are being urged not to be left in the cold by missing out on their £200 Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) this year.
Most of those eligible will get the payment automatically but some need to make a claim.
Last year 69,050 payments were made to older people in the area, giving local people £10,309,400 to help with fuel bills.
Work and pensions minister Ian McCartney said: "Older people shouldn't have to worry about the cost of heating to keep warm in winter. We are determined that people should receive their WFP before Christmas. Although it's now summer, they should think winter and not be left in the cold."
People aged 60 or over, and ordinarily resident in Great Britain during the week September 17-23, 2001, are eligible for a payment. Claims do not need to be made if you expect to get a state retirement pension or another social security benefit, excluding Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit, during that week or you received a Winter Fuel Payment in a previous year.
The Winter Fuel Payment helpline number is 08459 15 15 15. Calls are charged at a local rate and the line is open between 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
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