As someone on a low income, you may be entitled to various benefits to help you afford your bills, including the winter fuel payment.
However, in 2024, changes were announced to the winter fuel payment scheme, meaning you may no longer be eligible for financial help. We’ve put together the following post to explain more about winter fuel payments, including how the scheme changed from 2024 onwards.
Winter Fuel Payment: An Overview
The winter fuel payment (WFP) is a one-off government payment designed to help you afford your heating costs over winter.
Since the cost of energy bills has skyrocketed in recent years, the winter fuel payment is one of several benefits that can help ease the strain on your finances.
Those eligible for the WFP will receive up to £300 which will be automatically paid into their bank account.
Who is Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
The eligibility criteria for 2024/25 has now changed. To claim, someone in your household must have been born on or before the 23rd of September 1958.
The person must also be claiming any of the following benefits:
Child Tax Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
You can find out more about the eligibility for the winter fuel payment on the GOV UK website.
A recent report by The Guardian found that 780,000 older people in England and Wales are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to. As a result, they may also miss out on the winter fuel payment.
That’s why it’s important to check you are claiming everything you are entitled to, especially as many additional benefits such as the winter fuel payment may not be paid to you otherwise.
When Will I Receive the Winter Fuel Payment?
Claimants are normally paid the winter fuel payment in November or December. This payment window is designed to coincide with the colder temperatures normally experienced at this time of year, which can result in higher energy bills to keep your home warm.
Will the Winter Fuel Allowance Be Paid This Year?
Yes, so long as you are still eligible for the winter fuel allowance under the new rules.
In 2024, it was announced that the eligibility criteria for the winter fuel payment has changed. This change happened because the government decided it could no longer afford to award the benefit to the same number of claimants as in previous years.
If you have recently been notified that you are eligible, then you will be paid as normal.
How Do I Apply for the Winter Fuel Payment?
Eligible households normally receive the winter fuel payment automatically. However, if you think you are eligible and are yet to be sent a letter, you will need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Every year, there is a deadline for when you can apply for the winter fuel payment. We’d recommend contacting them today so that you don’t miss out on money you may be entitled to.
I Don’t Qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment - What Should I Do?
If you are worried about affording your energy bills this year, then it’s important to seek help and support.
Check if you are entitled to any other weather-related benefits such as:
Cold Weather Payments
Household Support Fund
Warm Home Discount
In the UK, £15bn worth of benefits go unclaimed every year, so it’s important to check if you are missing out on any other financial support.
You may also be eligible for the personal independence payment (PIP) if you have a mental or physical health condition, or are suffering from an addiction. Turn2us has a free PIP helper service to guide you through your application.
Citizens Advice has also put together a list of grants and benefits that can help you with the cost of your energy bills.
Finally, it’s also worth checking your energy tariff regularly to check the amount you are paying isn’t too much.
If it’s been some time since you’ve switched providers, you may not be getting the best deal. Comparison tools are free to use and can quickly tell you whether you’re on the best tariff or not.
Winter Fuel Payment FAQs
We’ve answered some of the top questions about the winter fuel payment scheme below.
For anything else, including checking if you’re eligible, we recommend contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre helpline on 0800 731 0160.
What is a Winter Fuel Payment?
The winter fuel payment is a one-off payment designed to help vulnerable households afford their heating bills. Eligible households will receive up to £300. The money is tax-free and is normally paid in November or December.
Although the winter fuel payment scheme began in 1997, it has become more talked about in recent years due to the cost of living crisis, and similar events which have pushed up the cost of heating bills.
How Do I Claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
The winter fuel payment will be paid automatically so long as you are eligible. You will also receive a letter informing you that you are entitled to the payment.
However, if you are yet to be contacted and think you are eligible for the winter fuel payment you will need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
The deadline to apply by post is the 30th of September 2024. However, you have until the 28th of October 2024 to apply by phone which you can do by calling 0800 731 0160.
If you are reading this post after these dates, then you will need to check what the application deadline is for the applicable year.
When Do I Get Winter Fuel Payment?
If you qualify for the winter fuel payment, you will be paid between £200 and £300 anytime from November until Christmas.
What Age Do You Get the Winter Fuel Payment?
You must be of state pension age to receive the winter fuel payment. At the time of writing, this is 66 years old. If someone in your household was born in 1944 or earlier, then you will be entitled to a higher payment, as long as you live in England or Wales and receive certain means tested benefits.
How Much is the Winter Fuel Payment This Year?
For 2024/25, the winter fuel payment will give you between £200 and £300 towards the cost of heating your home.
The amount you’ll be paid depends on when you were born, with those born before the 23rd of September 1944 receiving the higher amount of £300. If there are two qualifying people in the home, the winter fuel payment will only be paid to one person.
Who Gets a Winter Fuel Payment?
For a household in England or Wales to be eligible for the winter fuel payment, someone must live in the home that was born on or before the 22nd of September 1958. The person must also be in receipt of at least one of the seven qualifying benefits. In some cases, someone may also be eligible for the WFP if they live abroad.
Do You Get the Winter Fuel Payment on PIP?
The personal independence payment (PIP) is not one of the benefits that make you automatically eligible for the winter fuel payment. However, if you are eligible for the other benefits we’ve listed above (i.e. Pension Credit or Universal Credit) in addition to PIP, then you may be able to claim the WFP.
If you are eligible then you will be notified by post. But if you’re unsure, we recommend calling the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 to double check.
Is The Winter Fuel Payment Taxed?
No. The winter fuel payment is not a taxable benefit. If you claim the winter fuel payment, it will also not affect any other benefits you may be claiming.
Can You Get the Winter Fuel Payment in Wales?
Yes. In 2024/2025, households in England and Wales can claim the winter fuel payment. That’s as long as the person claiming the WFP is eligible based on their age and their benefit entitlement.
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