An estimated 1.4 million people of State Pension age, including 250,000 living in Scotland, are due to receive a Winter Fuel Payment of either £200 or £300 before the end of this month. While most payments were made automatically in November or December, guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explains that if pensioners “do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 29 January 2025, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre” as you may need to claim.
The money will appear in bank accounts with the payment reference starting with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP.’ Pensioners are urged to double check their bank statements for this reference number before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Following the eligibility rule change last summer, only people over 66 in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit (mixed age couples) or Tax Credits (with an annual award of at least £26) during the September 16-22 qualifying week will get a payment this winter. People living abroad also need to claim this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment 2024/25
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025 if you were born before September 23, 1958.
You must also live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and get one of the following:
- 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 will also need to have been getting one of the means-tested benefits listed above during the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024.
In some circumstances, you might be eligible if you live abroad – find out more on GOV.UK here.
When you will not be eligible
You will not be eligible if you:
- live in Scotland
- have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- were in prison for the whole of the week of September 16 to 22, 2024
- were living in a care home for the whole time from 24 June to 22 September 2024
People in Scotland may be eligible for a similar payment from the Scottish Government – Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This will be paid by the DWP.
How to make a claim
You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by post or over the phone.
Claim by post
- Fill in a Winter Fuel Payment claim form for UK residents and send it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre – the form and address details are on GOV.UK here.
Claim over the phone
- Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 – lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Before making the call, have your National Insurance number, bank or building society details and the date you were married or entered into a civil partnership (if appropriate) to hand.
How much Winter Fuel Payment you will receive
If you live alone
You will get 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
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get 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
If you are eligible you will get either:
- £100 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £150 if you were born before September 23, 1944