To ease this burden, the UK government provides Winter Fuel Payments. However, significant changes are coming to this benefit from winter 2024, which will limit eligibility. In this article, we cover who gets winter fuel payment moving forward.
What Are Winter Fuel Payments?
Winter fuel payments are government funds that help pensioners pay their heating bills.
The amount you get depends on your age and living situation, ranging from £100 to £300.
These payments have been available to all pensioners, helping over 11.3 million people during the winter of 2022-23.
Changes to Who Can Get Winter Fuel Payments
From winter 2024, only pensioners who receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits will get the winter fuel payment.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced this change, which will apply to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have not yet decided if they will follow this new rule.
Who Gets Winter Fuel Payments from 2024?
After the rule changes, pensioners will only qualify for the winter fuel payment if they already receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
To get pension credit, you must:
Be a Pensioner
Applies only to those who are above state pension age.
Have a low income
Have a weekly income below £218.15 if you are single or below £332.95 as a couple.
If you have disabilities or are responsible for someone else, you might still qualify for pension credit even if your income is slightly higher.
The government says about 850,000 households that are eligible for pension credit are not claiming
it. It’s important to check if you can get pension credit, as it could ensure you keep getting winter fuel payments.
What Should You Do?
If you are not currently on pension credit but think you might be eligible, it’s important to apply soon.
This will make sure you don’t miss out on winter fuel payments under the new rules starting in 2024.
You can check if you qualify by visiting the pension credit section of the government’s website or getting help from organisations like Citizens Advice.
How to Claim Winter Fuel Payments before changes
If you’re eligible for the winter fuel payment, you usually receive it automatically if you get the State Pension or another social benefit (except Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit).
Payments are typically made between November and December, and you should get a letter telling you how much you’ll receive. If you haven’t received the payment by January, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to claim it.
If you think you’re eligible but don’t get it automatically, you can also apply by phone or post. To apply, you’ll need your National Insurance number, bank details, and details of any other benefits you receive.
WFP1 – Winter Fuel Payment claim form
Act Now: Ensuring Continued Support for Heating Costs
Winter fuel payments have been a huge help for millions of pensioners to manage their heating bills.
However, with new rules arriving in 2024, only those who receive pension credit or means-tested benefits will get these payments.
If you think you might be eligible, applying for pension credit now will help ensure you keep getting support for your heating costs.
