Thousands of households can make a claim to get £300 winter fuel payment TODAY
THOUSANDS of households struggling to make ends meet this winter can apply for a £300 winter fuel payment from today.
The help is available for eligible pensioners on low-incomes and with temperatures dropping, the cash couldn't come at a better time.
Most payments are made automatically, but those living abroad need to apply for them if they meet certain criteria.
The good news is the application process opens today, October 10, for phone claims.
It is possible to apply by post, as postal applications started on September 16, 2024.
If you moved to an eligible country before January 1, 2021, were born before September 23, 1958, and have a genuine link to the UK (for example living, working, or family ties) you could be eligible.
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To claim by post you'll need to fill out the Winter Fuel Payment claim form, which is available on the government website.
You’ll need to send the completed form by post to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
The deadline is March 31, 2025, but don’t leave it too late, as you might miss out on the payment.
From today you can also apply over the phone.
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You will need to phone the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at +44 (0) 191 218 7777.
Remember calls may cost from abroad, so check first to avoid a surprise bill.
The DWP advise that before you call, you will need to know:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society details
- Your BIC and IBAN numbers
- The date you were married or entered into a civil partnership (if appropriate)
You could qualify if you live abroad in the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
If you live in England or Wales and were born before 23 September 1958, you will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You can qualify if you live abroad in certain countries and the following conditions apply:
- You moved to the eligible country before January 1, 2021
- You were born before September 23, 1958
- You have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK - this can include having lived or worked in the UK and having family in the UK
You will need to claim Winter Fuel Payment even if you have got it before. The payment is not made automatically when you live abroad.
How much will you get?
The amount you’ll receive depends on your specific circumstances. Most eligible households will get £200, but if someone in your household is aged over 80, you could receive £300.
These payments help older people with heating costs, so make sure you’re not missing out.
Last year, payments ranged between £300 and £600, but this year, the figure is lower due to the exclusion of some pensioners from receiving the full benefit.
What if you don’t get it?
The vast majority of eligible households will receive the payment automatically, so you don’t need to apply.
However, if you haven’t received your letter or the payment hasn’t landed in your bank account by January 29, 2025, it’s important to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
This is the last date you should expect the payment to be made. If it hasn’t come through by then, make sure you get in touch to avoid missing out.
Don't miss out on Pension Credit
If you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, it’s essential you also claim Pension Credit, especially since the government’s recent cuts have left many pensioners no longer eligible for the payment.
Around 800,000 households miss out on Pension Credit, and as a result, won't automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income, increasing it to £218.15 for singles or £332.95 for couples.
If your income is lower than these amounts, you’re likely eligible for the benefit.
Even if your income is a little higher, you may still qualify if you have certain conditions, such as a disability, caring responsibilities, or housing costs.
If you’re eligible for Pension Credit, you can apply online or by phone. But be quick – the absolute deadline to claim is December 21, to ensure you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Key dates to remember:
- October 28, 2024: Phone applications open for the Winter Fuel Payment.
- December 21, 2024: Last day to apply for Pension Credit and still qualify for the payment
- January 29, 2025: Final date for automatic payments to be made
- March 31, 2025: Deadline for all claims
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Don’t wait until the last minute.
Make sure you apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if you qualify and ensure you’re claiming all the benefits available to you.
How to apply for pension credit
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you'll need to be with them when they do.
You'll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
You can also check your eligibility online by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit first.
If you claim after you reach pension age, you can backdate your claim for up to three months.