It can be hard to stay warm in the winter, especially since the cost of energy is going up. The UK government gives the Winter Fuel Payment to help people pay their heating bills. Higher energy prices can be hard on people’s finances, but this help helps qualified people pay for their heating costs by giving them a tax-free benefit.
As part of the winter fuel payments, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set up a number of one-time payments for UK State Pensioners worth up to £367. This one-time payment of up to £367 from the DWP will be put into the accounts of people who get a state pension no earlier than November. These payments should be sent to people who are qualified by Christmas.
Who is Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
There are some requirements you must meet in order to get this Payment. The requirements to be eligible are:
Requirements for Age
You need to have been born before or on a certain date. This date is September 25, 1958, for the winter of 2024–2025.
Requirement to Live There
During the week that counts, you had to have stayed in the UK for at least one day. The qualifying week for the winter of 2024–2025 is September 16–22, 2024. Not living in the UK during the qualifying week? You might still be able to apply if you live in Switzerland or an EEA country and have a real and significant connection to the UK, like having family in the UK or having lived or worked in the UK.
Who are the Exceptions?
You will not be able to get the Winter Fuel Payment if, during the week that counts, you:
Are in the hospital and getting free care for more than 52 weeks.
Need permission to enter the UK, and the permission you are given says you can not claim public funds.
Were locked up for the whole qualifying week.
They lived in a care home from June 24, 2024, to September 15, 2024, and they got benefits like Pension Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance based on their income.
This article will go into great depth about these payments, such as who is eligible, how much they can expect to get, and when they can expect to get it.
How Much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The amount of the payment depends on the situation and where the person lives. Here are the specifics for the winter of 2024–2025:
For those born on or before 25 September 1958
- £250 if you live alone or if none of the people you live with qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
- £250 if you live with someone under 80 who also qualifies.
- £250 if you live in a care home and do not receive certain benefits.
- £500 if you live with someone who is 80 or over who also qualifies.
- £500 if you live with a partner who qualifies and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £500 if you live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £500 if you live in a care home and do not get certain benefits.
For those born before 25 September 1944
- £300 if you live alone or if none of the people you live with qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
- £300 if you live with someone under 80 who also qualifies.
- £300 if you live in a care home and do not receive certain benefits.
- £600 if you live with someone who is 80 or over who also qualifies.
- £600 if you live with a partner who qualifies and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £600 if you live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £600 if you live in a care home and do not get certain benefits.
Also read:-DWP £5,644 Financial Support Payment, Citizens with this common eye condition are eligible
When Are the Payments Made?
Between November and December, winter fuel payments are often made immediately. By Christmas, most of the bills are paid. You should call the Winter Fuel Payment Center if you do not get your payment by the end of December.
The Winter Fuel Payment is automatically given to people who are qualified and getting the State Pension or another social security benefit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit). Most people do not need to claim it.
If you should get a payment automatically but don’t, you will need to make a claim. You can call or write to make a claim. Here is an in-depth, step-by-step guide on how to use each method:
Applying by Post
- Visit the Winter Fuel Payment claim form for UK residents.
- Download and print the form.
- Complete all the required sections of the form. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information.
- Attach documents required.
- Send it to the following address.:
- Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR
To claim by phone
For the British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service on a computer, call 0800 731 0160 or text Relay UK at 18001 and then 0800 731 0160. Learn how to use the service on a phone or tablet.
Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
