When it comes to rising fuel costs, many pensioners are feeling the pinch - and the cold.  If you are not heating your home adequately, you could be putting yourself at risk of cold-related illnesses like pneumonia.

Winter Fuel Payment

A Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment made to households with someone aged 60 or over, to help with heating costs.

Would I qualify?

You qualify simply by your age.

If you are aged 60-79, your household normally receives £200.  If you are aged 80 or over, your household normally receives £300.

Cold Weather Payment

Extra payments are made when the weather is very cold in your area.  You can get an additional £8.50 per week when the average temperature has been, or is expected to be, 0 degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days.

Would I qualify?

You will be paid automatically if you are aged 60 or over and are receiving Pension Credit.

Winter Fuel Payments should be received automatically; however, if you are a man aged 60-64 you will need to make a claim because you are not of pension age yet.  To ask about your payment, or to make a claim, phone the Winter Fuel Helpline on 08459 15 15 15 by 30 March 2008.

Warm Front Grant

Warm front is a government-funded scheme which offers grants to make your home warmer and more energy efficient.  It includes a package of insulation and heating improvements, up to the value of £2,700 (or £4000 for oil-fired central heating.)

Would I qualify?

You must be aged 60 or over.
You must own or privately rent your home.
You must be receiving one or more of these benefits:  Pension Credit, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

Help from energy suppliers

If you have a low income, your energy supplier may help to improve the energy efficiency of your home by offering you products like insulation free of charge.

The Warm Front Grant Scheme is run by the Eaga plc. To apply for a grant, phone 0800 316 6019 or visit their website, www.warmfront.co.uk.

For help from energy suppliers, contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, or call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.

For any advice about energy grants or energy efficiency, visit www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/energy or contact Sheila Hood, Rushcliffe Borough Council's Community Energy Officer, at 0115 914 8560 or energy@rushcliffe.gov.uk.