INVERCLYDE MSP Stuart McMillan is urging local people who are eligible for pension credit to apply before September 22 to ensure they receive a winter fuel payment this year. 

Receiving pension credit is now a prerequisite for accessing the payment of around £300 aimed at helping older people cover their fuel bills in the colder weather. 

Those who are eligible should register before the end of 'qualifying week' for the benefit, which ends this Sunday. 

Mr McMillan previously slammed Labour's decision to cut the payment. 

He added: "Pleas check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter."

To find out more visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get