You must have heard of the term ‘Winter Fuel Payment’ these past couple of weeks with the chancellor announcing recent changes to the scheme. What is it, you might be wondering? The Winter Fuel Payment is a government-funded benefit designed to help older people with their heating costs during the upcoming colder months.
While there have been significant changes made to the eligibility criteria and payment structureit may still help you or older pensioners in your family to pay off high heating bills this winter.
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024/25you must meet the following criteria:
- You were born before September 23, 1958
- You live in England or Wales
- You receive one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
Payment Amount
The amount you receive depends on your age and living situation:
- If you’re under 80 and qualify, you’ll receive £200
- If you’re 80 or over and qualify, you’ll receive £300
If you live with someone, and jointly claim benefits, then only one person of the couple receives the benefit.
How to claim the Winter Fuel Payment
Most eligible individuals will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. If you or a member of your family are eligible but haven’t received a payment before, you may need to claim. The deadline for backdated claims to qualify for this winter’s payment is December 21, 2024.
These payments are usually made in November or December, those eligible will receive letters in October or November.
If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, find more information here.
The benefit is separate from other support such as the warm home discount and cold weather payments.
Other Support Available
It’s crucial for pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, as it can act as a gateway to additional benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment. You can learn more information about the types of benefits you can qualify for on Pension Credit here. If you or older pensioners in your family are not eligible for the Winter Fuel Paymentyou may still qualify for other forms of benefits:
- Cold Weather Payment (in England and Wales)
- Winter Heating Payment (in Scotland)
- Warm Home Discount
