TAKE NOTE
Exact date millions should automatically receive winter fuel payment by – and what to do if you don’t get it
Scroll on to find out how to apply for pension credit
MILLIONS of pensioners will want to mark a key date in their diary for when they will receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
For the first time this year, the benefit, which is worth up to £300, will not be universal and only available to people claiming certain support.
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Previously anyone over State Pension age qualified for the payment designed to soften the pinch of energy bills during the colder months.
Most households do not need to apply for The Winter Fuel Payment and will automatically be paid the cash.
If you qualify, you’ll get a letter telling you:
- How much you'll get
- Which bank account it will be paid into
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Payments are £200 for eligible households or £300 for eligible households where someone is aged over 80.
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2024 to 2025 is 31 March 2025.
By this date, the payments will be processed for those who qualify, with most receiving the money directly in their bank accounts.
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For the vast majority of pensioners, the money will land in their bank accounts without the need for action, as long as they have been receiving certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit.
If you do not receive your Winter Fuel Payment by the January 29 deadline, it’s important to act promptly.
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You will need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 to make a claim.
Keep in mind, the deadline for submitting a claim for winter 2024-2025 is March 31, 2025.
The payment is now restricted to pensioners who are claiming certain means-tested benefits. This includes:
- Pension Credit (a key qualifier)
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
In particular, those claiming Pension Credit should make sure to apply for it, as this benefit is the gateway to receiving the Winter Fuel Payment.
Pension Credit can top up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single or £332.95 for couples.
Notably, over 800,000 pensioners are missing out on this benefit, and without it, they won't qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Crucial to claim Pension Credit if you can
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
The Sun's Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it's imperative to apply for the benefit..
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK's poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don't claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment - worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit - it's more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It's not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
HOW TO CLAIM
If you think you are eligible, it’s essential to claim Pension Credit as soon as possible.
The latest claims can be backdated for up to three months, with the final date to claim for the 2024-2025 Winter Fuel Payment being December 21, 2024.
If you're already receiving Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit, the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid to you automatically.
With over 800,000 pensioners potentially missing out on Pension Credit, it’s critical for those eligible to act now.
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Not only will this ensure you get the Winter Fuel Payment, but it can unlock additional support throughout the year.
If you don’t get your Winter Fuel Payment by January 29, 2025, don’t delay – contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre and make your claim before the deadline.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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