§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make arrangements for the payment at post offices of Winter Fuel Payments for men aged 60 to 63 years. [132418]
§ Angela EagleThe majority of men aged 60–64 who are newly eligible for Winter Fuel Payments as a result of recent changes to the qualifying criteria, will have to make a claim for Winter Fuel Payments in respect of either past winters, or this coming winter or both.
Customers are given a choice as to the method of payment they prefer and payments can be paid directly into a bank or building society account or by Girocheque—which can be cashed at their local post office. Claims are currently being processed and payments for past winters are being issued just as soon as entitlement has been determined.