Winter brings higher heating bills, and with energy prices on the rise, staying warm can be a financial challenge. To help with this, the UK government provides the Winter Fuel Payment, a tax-free benefit designed to support eligible people with their heating costs.
For the winter of 2024-2025, payments include one-off additions of up to £367, introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Payments are set to begin in November, with all eligible recipients expected to receive them by Christmas.
Who Can Claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
To qualify, you must meet specific age and residency requirements:
1. Age Requirement
- You must have been born on or before 25 September 1958.
2. Residency Requirement
- You need to have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week, which is 16-22 September 2024.
- If you weren’t in the UK during this time, you might still qualify if you reside in Switzerland or an EEA country and have a strong connection to the UK, such as previous residence, work history, or family ties.
Who is Not Eligible?
You won’t qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if, during the qualifying week:
Who Can Claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
To qualify, you must meet specific age and residency requirements:
1. Age Requirement
- You must have been born on or before 25 September 1958.
2. Residency Requirement
- You need to have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week, which is 16-22 September 2024.
- If you weren’t in the UK during this time, you might still qualify if you reside in Switzerland or an EEA country and have a strong connection to the UK, such as previous residence, work history, or family ties.
Who is Not Eligible?
You won’t qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if, during the qualifying week:
- You were in hospital receiving free treatment for more than 52 weeks.
- You were in prison for the entire week.
- Your immigration status restricts access to public funds.
- You lived in a care home between 24 June and 15 September 2024 while receiving benefits like Pension Credit or Income Support.
How Much Will You Receive?
The payment amount varies depending on your age and living arrangements. Here’s a simple breakdown:
For those born on or before 25 September 1958:
- £250: If you live alone or with someone who doesn’t qualify.
- £250: If you live with someone under 80 who also qualifies.
- £500: If you live with someone 80 or over who qualifies, or a partner who receives certain benefits.
- £500: If you live in a care home and do not receive certain benefits.
For those born on or before 25 September 1944:
- £300: If you live alone or with someone who doesn’t qualify.
- £300: If you live with someone under 80 who also qualifies.
- £600: If you live with someone 80 or over who qualifies, or a partner who receives certain benefits.
- £600: If you live in a care home and do not receive certain benefits.
When Will Payments Be Made?
The DWP will usually make Winter Fuel Payments automatically between November and December. Most people will have the funds by Christmas. If you don’t receive your payment by the end of December, it’s best to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
How to Claim Your Winter Fuel Payment
If you’re eligible and already receiving the State Pension or another qualifying benefit, you don’t need to claim as payments will be made automatically.
If you’re not receiving an automatic payment, you’ll need to apply manually.
Applying by Post
- Obtain the Winter Fuel Payment claim form.
- Fill in the required details and attach any supporting documents.
- Post the completed form to the designated address provided for claims.
Applying by Phone
- Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline.
- Ensure you have your National Insurance number, bank details, and the date of your marriage or civil partnership (if applicable).
- Phone lines operate Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm.
