CITY pensioners aged 80 and over are being urged to apply for £100 cash help towards their winter fuel bills.

For the third year, the city council is offering older residents money to help heat their homes as temperatures plummet.

The money will be available regardless of an individual or couple's financial position.

The council introduced the Affordable Warmth Dividend in November 2011 and since then 30,000 payments have been made.

Council leader Gordon Matheson launched this year's scheme when he met May Dryden, 85, from Cowcaddens who receives the £100 payment.

The great-grandmother said: "I think this is a fabulous initiative which will make a terrific difference to a lot of people.

"It is a wonderful thing for the council to do and very important. I would encourage other people to apply for it."

Mr Matheson said: "Older people are particularly vulnerable during cold weather and many worry about how they will pay their heating bills as energy prices continue to rise.

"I am delighted that for the third year running, the city council can help residents over the age of 80 keep warm during the winter.

"If you think you might be eligible for the Affordable Warmth Dividend please apply to the council."

Letters will be sent to last year's recipients and anyone the council can identify as eligible will also receive a letter urging them to apply.

Glasgow residents aged 80 plus who have not received the money before can obtain an application form from the council's website or by phoning 0141 287 7961.

If more than one person aged 80 or over lives in a house they can apply separately.

Elderly people living in residential care or hospitals can also apply. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2014.

Impartial energy tips are also available from Glasgow Home Energy Advice Team (G-HEAT) ON 0800 092 9002.

Further information on the Affordable Warmth Dividend is available at http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/affordablewarmth or by visiting any local Revenues and Benefits centre or the city centre service desk at 45 John Street.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk