The Department for Work and Pensions has revised the list of those eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. This follows the announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that the UK Government is reversing its decision to make annual Winter Fuel Payments means-tested.
An online petition set up by Age UK has attracted more than 213,000 signatures. The charity has launched a campaign to protect millions of State Pensioners who are at risk of losing their seasonal heating support this year. The annual one-off payment ranges from £100 to £300.
But the last two winters it has been increased to £600 because of the cost of the previous government’s life support payments. Over-80s receive £300 payments, while most others receive £200.
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Age UK’s petition, titled ‘Save winter fuel payment for struggling pensioners’, highlights that the change in eligibility will affect millions of older people who need extra financial help to meet the costs of higher bills during the winter months.
The change means only State Pensioners who receive Pension Credit or other income-related benefits will automatically be eligible for payments. Ofgem is set to announce the new energy price cap before the end of this month. Energy analysts predict 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 guidance from GOV.UK shows that eligible pensioners will receive letters in October or November detailing the amount of Winter Fuel Payment they will receive. Most eligible people will receive the payment in November or December, and it will be deposited into the same bank account their State Pension or benefit is usually paid into.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment
You must also live in England or Wales and have one of the following:
In some cases, you may also be eligible if you live abroad – click here to find out more.
Times when you will not be available
You will not be eligible if:
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Living in Scotland – The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is replacing the DWP payment this year and it is not yet confirmed whether the Scottish Government will follow the same rule change as Westminster.
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I have been receiving free treatment at the hospital for over a year
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You need permission to enter the UK and the permission states that you cannot claim public funds
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They were in prison for the entire entitlement week of September 16-22, 2024
How much Winter Fuel Payment will you receive
If you live alone
You will get one of the following:
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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 want to receive any benefits together, one of you will receive one of the following as payment:
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£200 if you were both 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 in a care home
If you qualify, you will receive one of the following:
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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 qualified income-tested benefits, you must claim if any of the following apply:
How to request
You can claim your Winter Fuel Payment as follows:
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Post – From September 16, 2024
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Phone – From October 10, 2024
If you receive Universal Credit, you will be told how to claim it via a message in your magazine.
The deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 winter semester is March 31, 2025.
Details on eligibility and payments can be found on the Winter Fuel Payments section of GOV.UK.
Retirement Loan
Around 1.4 million older people, including more than 126,800 living in the UK, receive the means-tested benefit, which could provide an average of £3,900 in support next year. However, the latest figures from the DWP show there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners who are not receiving the benefit they are entitled to.
Some older people feel they are not eligible for means-tested benefit because they have savings or own their own home. This benefit also provides help with housing costs, Winter Fuel Payment and Council Tax.
Pension Credit increases weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £218.15 for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for:
A reward of just £1 per week is enough to unlock further supports.
The quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people or their friends and family can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of how much they could receive using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, pensioners can make a claim directly by calling the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 – the lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Expert help and advice can also be obtained from: