Pensioners thinking of applying for Pension Credit are being urged to get in their application to get an extra payment worth up to £300. You need to apply by Saturday, December 21 to backdate your claim by three months to qualify for this year's Winter Fuel Payment, worth £200 or £300. However, if you are planning to start your claim over the phone rather than online, you will need to make the call by the day before, December 20, as the phoneline is only open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm.