Millions of pensioners must verify their eligibility for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, as new limits have been implemented.
Winter Fuel Payment Dates: What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 12 October 2024 13:25
As millions of pensioners prepare for winter, it's crucial to be aware of the new eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
For the first time, the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300, is no longer a universal benefit. It is currently only available to people who are claiming particular benefits. Previously, everyone above the State Pension age could receive this payment, but eligibility has recently been drastically reduced.
Notification and Payment Process
Most eligible households will automatically receive a letter detailing their payment amount and the designated bank account for the funds. The payments are processed automatically for those who qualify. If you do not receive notification, it is essential to be aware of the deadline to apply for this benefit.
- Standard Payment: £200 for eligible households
- Bonus Payment: £300 for households with one or more residents aged over 80
If you have not received your payment by January 29, 2025, please contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The deadline to claim for the 2024-2025 winter season is March 31, 2025.
Winter Fuel Payment Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, pensioners must be receiving certain means-tested benefits, including:
- Pension Credit (the primary qualifier)
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
It is believed that more than 800,000 retirees are losing out on these payments. Notably, Pension Credit can greatly improve your weekly income, paying £218.15 for singles and £332.95 for couples.
If you believe you qualify for Pension Credit, it is vital to begin the application process promptly. Claims can be backdated for up to three months, with the last opportunity to claim for the 2024-2025 Winter Fuel Payment being December 21, 2024.
Birmingham Council to Reopen Household Support Fund Applications
Birmingham Council has announced the reopening of applications for the Household Support Fund in about three weeks, specifically at the start of November. The Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC) has been managing this fund since its inception.
In this upcoming funding round, the council will also consider those who previously applied but did not receive support. The BVSC noted, “If you are not currently on the waiting list, or it has now been 12 months since you received your last grant payment, you will be able to submit a new enquiry once the next round opens in early November 2024.”