Martin Lewis: LAST CHANCE for State Pensioners to claim the Winter Fuel Payment as 700,000 set to miss out – spread the word

Watch Martin's urgent warning for those on the State Pension

Martin Lewis: 'Check NOW to avoid missing out'

Here's a full transcript of what Martin said in the video:

Martin Lewis: "I'd urgently suggest any State Pensioners on a lower income check now if you're eligible for Pension Credit – which is a top-up to your income worth typically £4,000 a year – because do it now, you'll also get the Winter Fuel Payment.

"As for what a 'lower income' is – well, if you're a single pensioner, I'd be checking if I had income under a total of £235 a week. I'm not saying you'll get it. I'm saying it's worth checking at that level.

"Same if you're a couple, both State Pensioners, income under around £350 a week. But if you get Attendance Allowance or you have very high housing costs, you may still be eligible on income higher than that.

"Why now? Well, the deadline to get Winter Fuel Payment is you've got to call up and do it by today [Friday 20 December] if you're phoning or by tomorrow [Saturday 21 December] if you're doing it online. So it's worth just checking now because you don't want to miss out."

How to check if you can get Pension Credit

Our Pension Credit guide explains who can get it, but if you're still unsure: don't stall, just call. As Martin notes, the deadline to claim is today (Friday 20 December) by phone or tomorrow (Saturday 21 December) online – so don't delay. It takes an average of 16 minutes, according to the Department for Work and Pensions, and can be worth thousands.

Here's how to find out if you can claim:

• Check quickly online. If you're comfortable using a computer, the quickest way to find out if you qualify for Pension Credit is by using the free Pension Credit Calculator on Gov.uk. It's easiest if you have details of your current earnings, benefits and pensions to hand (for you and your partner if you live with them). It'll then give an instant estimate of how much you're due.
  

• Or, if you prefer, have a chat with someone about it (it's free). There are free Government helplines you can call up to talk it through. Again, it's best with details to hand, but if you've not got them or need help with that, just call.
  
  In England, Scotland or Wales, you can call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 99 1234 (lines open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). In Northern Ireland, call the Pension Centre on 0808 100 6165 (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday).

To find out how much you could get if you apply today, see our Winter Fuel Payment guide.