Winter Fuel Payments, intended to help pensioners meet rising energy costs, are about to be distributed to those who qualify. While these payments are worth up to £300, significant changes by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves mean around 10 million pensioners will no longer receive this benefit.
Previously available to all over the state pension age, it’s now limited to those receiving means-tested benefits like Pension Credit. Charities are urging the government to reconsider this change, but Labour claims the cuts were necessary to address a £22 billion fiscal deficit inherited from the Conservative government.
Who Is Eligible for Winter Fuel Payments?
To qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment in 2024, you must:
- Have been born before September 23, 1958
- Be claiming one of the following benefits during the qualifying period (September 16 to September 22, 2024):
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
If you weren’t claiming one of these benefits during the qualifying week, you may still qualify if you apply for Pension Credit by December 21, 2024, as this can be backdated by three months.
How to Check If You’ll Receive a Winter Fuel Payment
According to the DWP, those who qualify should receive a letter informing them of the specific amount that they will be paid. This notice is expected to be received by these residents by October or November every year.
However, if you did not receive it by November 30 of that year, there is no need to worry, The DWP recommends that claimants do not attempt to claim the Winter Fuel Payment until 29th January 2025.
Payment Schedule
Most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically in November or December, though delays can occur. Again, it is recommended to wait until January 29, 2025, before raising any concerns with the DWP.
How Much Will You Receive?
The payment you receive depends on your age and living situation. Here’s a breakdown:
- £200 payment if:
- You live alone and were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958.
- You live with someone else, and one or both of you were born between these dates.
- £300 payment if:
- You live alone and were born before September 23, 1944.
- You live with someone else, and one or both of you were born before this date.
Circumstances Where You Won’t Be Eligible
Certain situations may disqualify you from receiving a Winter Fuel Payment:
- If you were in a care home for the entire period between June 24 and September 22, 2024, unless your stay was temporary.
- If you’ve been in hospital for more than a year, receiving free treatment.
- If your immigration status prevents you from claiming public funds.
- If you were incarcerated during the qualifying week of September 16-22, 2024.
For overseas residents, claims must be made separately. Eligibility applies if you moved to a qualifying EEA country or Switzerland before 31 December 2020, are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement, and have a genuine connection to the UK. You should also be receiving the UK state pension and a qualifying benefit in your country of residence.
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