Winter Fuel Payment
The Government announced in July 2024 that they are changing the criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment. As well as being State Pension age, you will also need to be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits.
This means even if you received the Winter Fuel Payment in previous years, you should check your eligibility and ensure you’re claiming the correct benefits. Many households risk missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year as they aren’t claiming benefits that they are entitled to.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 if you were born before 23rd September 1958 and you receive one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
If you aren’t already receiving any of the benefits above, you can check your eligibility by completing a benefit calculator at www.entitledto.co.uk or www.turn2us.org.uk.
How much will I get?
The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300, to help you with your heating bills over the winter months. If you’re eligible you will receive a letter in October or November to let you know how much you’ll get. Most payments will be made automatically in November or December.
Pension Credit
With the Government changing the criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment, it’s more important than ever that households check their eligibility for Pension Credit.
It is estimated nearly 900,000 households could be eligible for Pension Credit but haven’t made a claim. As well as the Winter Fuel Payment, households could be missing out on lots of other financial support.
If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit can give you extra money to help you with your living costs.
Am I eligible?
There are different eligibility requirements for Pension Credit depending on your circumstances but you could be eligible if:
- you’ve reached State Pension age
- your income is less than £218.15 if you’re single or £332.95 if you’re a couple
- your income is higher than the above but you have a disability, care for someone, have certain housing costs, or are responsible for a child
How much will I get?
Pension credit will top up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single or £332.95 for a couple. You could get more than this if you have a disability, care for someone, have certain housing costs, or are responsible for a child.
The average Pension Credit claim is estimated to be worth £3,900 a year but it also unlocks access to other financial support including the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax reduction, Housing Benefit, help with NHS costs, free TV licence, a Cold Weather Payment or the Warm Home Discount.
How do I claim?
You can make a claim online for Pension Credit by visiting the gov.uk website.
You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they will complete the application with you over the phone.
You, and your partner if you have one, will need to make sure you have ready your National Insurance Number, details of any income and pensions, and details of any other money or savings.