By Sarah Toyne BBC News Online personal finance reporter

Men in their early 60s must make a claim

After this summer's heat wave fuel bills may not be everyone's top priority - but thousands of sixty somethings are missing out on financial help each year.

Women and men over 60 can get �200 per household through the Winter Fuel payment, regardless of their income or savings - and severity of the weather.

But many people, particularly men in their early 60s, fail to make the necessary application which, for this year is 19 September if they want the payment before Christmas.

In addition, this winter the government is giving up to �100 extra to the over 80s for the first time.

Who gets it?

You have to be 60 or over on or before 21 September 2003 to qualify for this year's winter fuel payment. This applies to both men and women.

People living within the European Economic Area may also be eligible, as last year the government was ordered to extend the payment to about 30,000 people living in 19 countries abroad.

However, not all qualify.

Elderly people living in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, where winter temperatures can be freezing, are not eligible.

People who received a payment last year should receive an automatic payment this year.

Pensioners over the age of 80 will get their additional payment automatically.

Extra money

A legal challenge by equality campaigners in 1999, means men can now receive the payment at the age of 60, rather than 65.

Those who missed out in the years before the ruling can also make backdated claims.

Each year thousands of men are unaware they are eligible for the payment from the age of 60, which can be claimed regardless of whether they are claiming state benefits.

The DWP says it tries to contact the men through a mail shot, based on the electoral roll and departmental records, but admits not all are picked-up by the mailing.

While all people over 60 are entitled to the payments, only pensioners, that is women over 60 and men over 65 receive them automatically.

To receive the payment before they reach state pension age, the men must file a claim.

Some men have also been missing out on previous payments following the legal ruling.

It is too late to claim for 2000 to 2002, as the government's cut-off point for claims has ended, but men who were 60 in winters 1997, 1998 and 1999, but did not get the payment should ring the helpline to see if they are eligible.

The final deadline for all claims for this winter must be in by 30 March 2004.

Getting further information and claiming:

The Winter Fuel Payment Helpline, can be reached on 0845 9151515 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users).

Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and calls are charged at local rates.