UK pensioners are strongly urged to claim their Winter Fuel Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as time is running out. The payment can be worth up to £600.
If you have reached State Pension age but have not yet received your 2023/24 Winter Fuel Payment, it's important to claim before the Easter Sunday deadline. Failure to do so may result in missing out on up to £600 to help cover your heating bills.
Who Has Received the Winter Fuel Payment?
As of January 26, 2024, more than 11 million State Pensioners had already received automatic payments of between £250 and £600. If you believe you are entitled to the one-off payment but haven't received it, it is vital that you contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before the 31 March deadline.
Who Needs to Claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
Most retirees should have received their payment automatically before 26 January. However, some individuals may still need to make a claim. This includes individuals who:
- Have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before
- Live abroad
- Receive the devolved benefit, Adult Disability Payment
However, if you have never received a winter heating allowance, you should only claim it in certain circumstances:
- You do not get benefits or the State Pension
- The only benefit you get is Adult Disability Payment, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit
- You live in Switzerland or an eligible EEA country
How to Make a Claim
To request your Winter Fuel Payment, you may do so either by post or by telephone as follows:
- 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 available on GOV.UK.
- Claim Over the Phone: Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160. The lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
You should also ensure that you have your National Insurance number, details of your bank or building society and the date of your marriage or civil partnership (if applicable) before making the claim.
Please note: Due to the Easter bank holiday weekend, telephone lines and offices will be closed over the weekend and on Friday 29 March. Therefore, the deadline for applying for the helping hand is today, March 28.
Qualifying criteria for winter fuel payments
To be eligible for winter fuel allowance, the following criteria must be met:
- You were born before 25 September 1957
- You lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 18 to 24 September 2023 (known as the 'qualifying week').
Value of the Winter Fuel Payment 2023/24
The winter fuel payment is tax-free and won't have any impact on your other benefits. The precise amount you'll receive will depend on your circumstances:
- For those living alone or with someone who is not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive either £500 (if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957) or £600 (if you were born before 25 September 1943).
- If you live with someone else who is entitled to winter fuel allowance, and you receive certain benefits, your allowance may fluctuate.
- You will receive either £250 (if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957) or £300 (if you were born before 25 September 1943) as long as you live in a care home and are eligible.
Eligibility for Care Home Residents
Residents of care homes may qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance if they satisfy the eligibility criteria. However, you will not be entitled to it if you:
- You are getting Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- You have lived in a care home for the whole of the period from 26 June to 24 September 2023.
Ineligibility for Winter Heating Payments
Generally, you will be ineligible for winter fuel payments if you :
- Have been in hospital receiving free treatment for more than a year
- You need permission to enter the UK, and the permission you have been granted states that you are not entitled to public funds.
- Have been in prison for the whole week of 18 to 24 September 2023.
Time is running out. So, don't miss your chance to claim Winter Fuel Payment, as time is running out. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre now on 0800 731 0160.