by The Department for Work and Pensions has revised its list of those eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. It follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement that the UK Government was reversing its decision to make annual Winter Fuel Payments means-tested.
An online petition created by Age UK has received over 213,000 signatures. The charity has launched a campaign to protect the millions of State Pensioners who were at risk of losing out on seasonal heating support this year. The payment, which is made annually on a one-off basis, is between £100 and £300.
However, over the past two winters it has been increased to £600 due to previous government living cost support payments. Over 80s get the £300 payment, while most other people get £200.
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Age UK’s ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners’ petition shows the eligibility change will affect millions of older people who rely on the extra financial help to manage higher bill costs during the winter months .
This change means that only State Pensioners who receive Pension Credit or other income-related benefits will automatically qualify for the payment. Ofgem is to announce a new energy price cap before the end of this month. Energy analysts have predicted a 10% increase in the standard tariff for millions of households from October 1, which will remain in place until the end of the year.
The latest guide on GOV. RA indicates that letters will be sent to families of eligible pensioners in October or November, detailing the amount of Winter Fuel Payment they will receive. Most eligible individuals will receive a payment in November or December, which will be deposited into the bank account where their State Pension or benefits are normally paid.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment
You must also live in England or Wales and have one of the following:
In some cases, you may be eligible if you live abroad – find out more here.
When you are not eligible
You will not be eligible if you are:
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Live in Scotland – The Pension Age Winter Warming Payment replaces the DWP payment this year and it is yet to be confirmed whether the Scottish Government will follow the same rule change as at Westminster.
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Being in hospital receiving free treatment for more than a year
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You need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says you can’t claim public funds
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They were in prison for the full qualifying week between 16 September and 22 September 2024
How much Winter Fuel Payment you will receive
If you live alone
You will receive either:
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£200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
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£300 if you were born before 23 September 1944
If you live with someone
If you and your partner claim any of the benefits jointly, one of you will receive a payment of either:
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£200 if you were both born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
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£300 if one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944
If you live in a care home
If you are eligible you will receive either:
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£100 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
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£150 if you were born before 23 September 1944
Check if you need to make a claim
If you do not receive any of the qualifying means-tested benefits, you must make a claim if either of the following apply:
How to claim
You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by:
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Post – from September 16, 2024
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Phone – from October 10, 2024
If you get Universal Credit, you will be told how to claim by a message in your diary.
The deadline to claim for winter 2024 to 2025 is 31 March 2025.
Full details of eligibility and payments can be found on the Winter Fuel Payment section on GOV.UK here.
Pension Credit
Almost 1.4m older people across Great Britain, including more than 126,800 living in Scotland, currently receive the means-tested benefit which could provide support of an average of £3,900 a year is ahead of us. However, the latest figures from the DWP suggest that there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners who are not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.
Some older people think that because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide help with housing costs, Winter Fuel Payment and Council Tax.
Pension Credit adds to weekly income up to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who:
An award of £1 per week is enough to unlock further support.
The fastest way to check your Pension Credit eligibility
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of how much they could get by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
