UK pensioners could receive extra payments and energy bill help this winter, but recent changes to eligibility may leave many without support.
DWP Announces Up to £460 in Payments for State Pensioners Before New Year
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 15 October 2024 16:01
UK pensioners could benefit from a series of financial aids and energy bill relief before the end of the year, as provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These supports include two cash payments and one payment through energy suppliers.
However, recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility could mean many pensioners who previously benefited may no longer qualify in 2024.
Full Details of the Future Payments and Energy Assistance
- Winter Fuel Payment: Worth between £100 and £300, this payment is available to pensioners on means-tested benefits.
- Warm Home Discount: A £150 discount is credited to eligible households' electricity accounts, paid directly from DWP to energy providers. You can find a full list of the energy suppliers taking part in this initiative here.
- DWP Christmas Bonus: A one-time £10 payment is issued to those on State Pension or certain benefits.
Changes in Eligibility
Approximately 10 million pensioners who previously received the Winter Fuel Payment may lose out this year. This is partly because eligibility has been limited to individuals claiming Pensions Credit. As a result, many previous recipients of the £200-£300 payments may no longer be eligible in 2024.
How the Funding is Distributed
- Winter Fuel Payment: Payment amounts depend on age and household circumstances. £300 is available for those born before September 23, 1944, while most will receive £200.
- Warm Home Discount: Households on certain benefits can receive £150 deducted from their electricity bill. Those to Pay As You Go may receive a voucher instead.
- DWP Christmas Bonus: Recipients do not need to apply; the £10 bonus is automatically deposited into their usual account during the qualifying week in December.
Eligibility Criteria, Dates, and Notifications
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, individuals must:
- Be born on or before September 23, 1958.
- Reside in Scotland, England, or Wales.
- Receive one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit (for mixed-age couples)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Tax Credits with an annual award of at least £26.
The amount paid varies according to living situations, with separate amounts for persons living alone, with partners, or in care facilities.
DWP will begin sending out letters in mid-October to inform pensioners of their entitled Winter Fuel Payment amounts, based on their circumstances during the qualifying week of September 16-22, 2024.