This year, a financial boost is set to be received by millions of people on specific benefits. It will come from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and aims to assist with heating costs.
A significant change in government policy will drastically alter who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, cutting access to this aid for a large number of pensioners. Labour’s strategy aims to narrow down the recipient base for the Winter Fuel Payment, an award that can reach up to £300, by introducing means-testing.
Last year, every pensioner automatically qualified for this one-time transfer, which typically starts hitting accounts in November. Yet the current policy states only those on Pension Credit or certain other entitlements will receive the money this season.
Eligible Winter Fuel Payment benefits
You can qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this year if you were born before 23rd September 1958 and live in Scotland, England, or Wales while receiving one of the specified benefits. In certain circumstances, you may be eligible even if you live abroad:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax or Child Tax Credits
When you won’t be eligible
You won’t be eligible if:
-
Are not in receipt of one of the means-tested benefits listed above
- Have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison for the whole of the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024
How much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll receive
If you live alone, you’ll receive either:
- £200 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £300 if you were born before September 23, 1944
If you live with someone and jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will receive a payment of either:
- £200 if both of you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £300 if one or both of you were born before September 23, 1944
If you live in a care home and are eligible, you’ll receive either:
- £100 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £150 if you were born before September 23, 1944
Check if you need to claim
If you don’t receive any of the qualifying means-tested benefits, you’ll need to claim if either of the following apply:
- You have not received the Winter Fuel Payment before
- You or your partner get Universal Credit
How to claim
You can claim your Winter Fuel Payment by:
- Post – from September 30, 2024
- Phone – from October 28, 2024
If you’re on Universal Credit, you’ll be informed how to claim through a message in your journal.
The deadline for winter 2024 to 2025 claims is set for March 31, 2025. Comprehensive information about eligibility and payments can be found on the Winter Fuel Payment section of the GOV.UK website.