Pensioners are being urged to apply for Pension Credit to ensure they receive their winter fuel payment.

East Cambridgeshire District Council has said that people of state pension age must apply for the benefit before December 21 to qualify for the £300 payment.

Applications submitted after this date will not be eligible for the payment.

The council is offering help with applications through its community advice team and at drop-in sessions.

The sessions take place from Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm.

Additional sessions are held at Soham Library each Wednesday, from 10am until midday, and in Littleport by St George's Medical Centre, from 10am until midday on a Friday.

Pension Credit is a benefit that tops up pension income and helps with day-to-day living costs.

The average value of the benefit is £3,900 per year, and residents may be eligible even if they own their home or have savings.

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Pension Credit is a valuable benefit that can help people with day-to-day costs and as we head into the winter months this could really make a difference with the increased costs of heating homes.

“I would encourage anyone who is unsure if they would qualify for Pension Credit, or who would like help to apply, to attend our community advice drop-in sessions to talk to our advisors.

“It is really important to apply now because, owing to the Pension Credit backdating rules, successful applications before December 21 will still receive the winter fuel payment.”

Residents unable to attend the drop-in sessions can arrange a home visit by calling the council on 01353 665555 and asking to speak to an advisor.

For more information, and to check eligibility, visit gov.uk/pension-credit or apply by phone on the Pension Credit claim line at: 0800 99 1234.