Winter Fuel Payment

What is the Winter Fuel Payment and who is eligible? #

The winter season in the UK can be challenging, with temperatures dropping and energy bills rising. To help those who struggle to keep up with the cost of heating their homes during this time, the UK government offers a Winter Fuel Payment. However, due to the eligibility rules having changed significantly this year; the following article, will take a close look at what this means for those hoping to claim the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment? #

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment made to eligible pensioners to help them pay for their heating bills during the winter months. The payment is designed to cover the cost of any type of fuel. Whether this is gas, electricity, oil, or solid fuels like coal.

Who is Eligible (dates based on Winter 2024-25)? #

To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment:

• You must have been born on or before 23rd September 1958
• You must live in England or Wales

and also claiming one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Universal credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

You must have been receiving one of the above benefits during the week of 16th and 22nd September 2024 to qualify for this years payment.

There are certain circumstances where you still may be eligible if you live abroad.

You will not be eligible if:

• you live in Scotland
• have been in hospital for more than a year and receiving free treatment
• were in prison for the whole qualifying week of 16th -22nd September 2024
• were living in a care home for the whole time from 24th June to 22 September 2024

If you live in a care home, you may qualify for the payment if:

• you are claiming certain benefits and are eligible
• you have lived in a care home for less than 13 weeks including the week of 16th – 22nd September 2024.

How Much is the Payment? #

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter in October or November confirming the amount you are entitled to. If you do not receive this – contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

The amount you receive depends on when you were born and your circumstances during the ‘qualifying week’ of 16th and 22nd 2024.

The amount is tax free and will not affect any other other benefits you may be claiming.

If you live alone and :

• were born between 23 September 1944 and 22nd September 1958 – you will receive £200.
• were born before 23rd September 1944 – you will receive £300.

This also applies to those living in care homes who are receiving qualifying benefits or who have lived there for less than 13 weeks including the week of 16th – 22nd September.

If you live with a partner and jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will receive the payment if:

• either one or both of you were born between 23September 1944 and 22nd September 1958 – you will receive £200.
• either one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944 – you will receive £300.

When will I get the Winter Fuel Payment? #

People usually receive the Winter Fuel Payment Payment automatically and it should be paid into the same account that your benefits are paid into between November and December.

However, if you haven’t received your payment by the end of January, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

Conclusion #

The Winter Fuel Payment is a valuable resource for eligible pensioners who struggle to keep up with their heating bills during the winter season. It encourages the most vulnerable older people to turn on their heating rather than jeopardise their health because of money concerns. If you think you’re eligible, look out for your confirmation letter in the post followed by a bank payment in November and December and keep yourself warm this winter!

If you are struggling with your finances in general, you might find this article helpful: Support for Financial Difficulty.