The Government has recently announced some changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, so we’ve pulled together some information to help explain it…
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment helps eligible people over State Pension age (66) with their heating bills during the colder months. Payments typically range from £100 to £300 depending on your circumstances.
Key change this year
Previously, Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 were available to everyone eligible above State Pension age in the UK. However, starting this winter (2024 to 2025), this will no longer be the case. You will only be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you meet the following criteria:
- You were born on or before 22 September 1958 and,
- You receive one of these benefits: Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit (e.g., through a joint claim with your partner).
Additionally, the payment amounts were doubled for the last two winters as part of the Government’s cost of living support. This has now ended. For example, a £200 Winter Fuel Payment became £400 last year. This year, it would return to £200.
Payment amounts for 2024 to 2025
To receive a Winter Fuel Payment this year, you must be of State Pension age and receiving one of the qualifying benefits listed above. The payment amounts are:
- Born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958:
- Live alone (or with others who don’t qualify): £200
- Live with someone under the age of 80 who also qualifies: £100
- Live with someone aged 80 or over who also qualifies: £100
- Live in a care home: £100
- Born on or before 22 September 1944:
- Live alone (or with others who don’t qualify): £300
- Live with someone under the age of 80 who also qualifies: £200
- Live with someone aged 80 or over who also qualifies: £150
- Live in a care home: £150
When and how will I receive it?
Most Winter Fuel Payments are automatically paid in November or December. You should receive a letter from the Government directly with an estimated payment date and amount. If you don't receive a letter or the payment isn't in your account by the end of January, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160 or find out more on the Government’s website.
If you meet the qualifying conditions but don’t receive your payment automatically, you can apply. Payments are typically made three months after you apply. Application forms for the 2024 to 2025 Winter Fuel Payment will be available from the Government in autumn 2024.
Here’s a checklist to help guide you:
- Check your eligibility: Find out if you are still eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year. Just because you received it before doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get it now.
- Benefits check: Over 800,000 people eligible for Pension Credit don’t currently receive it. Pension Credit can be a key to unlocking other benefits, potentially providing thousands of pounds in extra support. It’s worth checking your eligibility. You can complete an online ‘benefits check’ by visiting the Government’s website.
- Energy saving tips: Visit our Cost of living hub for free advice on how to manage and reduce your energy bills this winter.
Need extra help?
For more information about the support that’s available to help you with energy costs, you can visit our ‘your energy, our support’ webpage.
To help you get most from your money, we’ve partnered with Citizens Advice to offer you free, confidential and helpful impartial advice. Their friendly team of expert money advisors can help you manage debt and offer impartial energy advice, including switching providers to save money and applications for the Warm Home Discount.
For more details, click here
