Clydebank’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes is urging pensioners to ensure they have received their Winter Fuel Payment for 2018-2019.

OAPs are entitled to claim an annual tax-free payment of up to £300 to help meet the cost of winter fuel bills.

The SNP MP said: “The costs of heating your home during winter can be difficult, especially for vulnerable residents. I want to make sure pensioners in West Dunbartonshire are receiving all the financial assistance they’re entitled to.

“A total of 16,710 older people across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven are entitled to a payment of between £100 and £300 this year to help meet the cost of their winter fuel bills.

“Eligible residents who have not received their Winter Fuel Payment have until March 31 to make a claim. My advice to constituents is to check their records and contact the payment helpline as soon as possible.

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“Anyone in West Dunbartonshire experiencing difficulty in claiming their Winter Fuel Payment can contact me on martin.docherty.mp@parliament.uk or 0141 952 2988.”

More than 16,000 eligible older people in West Dunbartonshire should have received their Winter Fuel Payment by January 14, which, for most, will have been paid automatically in November and December.

However, anyone who is eligible but has not received the payment has until March 31 to make a claim.

To find out more about Winter Fuel Payments telephone 0800 731 0160, or the claim form can be completed online at gov.uk/government/publications/winter-fuel-payment-claim-form.

The Winter Fuel Payments are separate from the Cold Weather Payments scheme which gives automatic payments of £25 a week during very cold periods.