Winter fuel payments - eligibility
Are you eligible for a winter fuel payment?
Starting this winter (2024/25), you'll only be able to get a winter fuel payment if you're over state pension age and receive one of the following benefits:
- Pension credit
- Universal credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income support
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
You can still apply for pension credit to get this year's winter fuel payment
Although the qualifying week for this year's winter fuel payment has now passed (16 and 22 September 2024), you may still be eligible for the payment if you successfully apply for pension credit (moneysavingexpert.com) by 21 December 2024. That's because claims for pension credit can be backdated by up to three months (provided you would have been entitled to the benefit at the earlier date).
You should get a letter in October and November letting you know you are eligible, how much you'll get, and your estimated payment date. It should then be paid in November or December, into the same account where your qualifying benefit is paid.
Check you're not missing out on help
The upcoming change to winter fuel payment eligibility means it's more important than ever to make sure you claim what you're entitled to.
Over 800,000 people who are eligible for pension credit (moneysavingexpert.com) don't currently get it, and it's often a key to qualifying for other help – so may unlock £1,000s of extra support.
Those eligible for the winter fuel payment in England, Wales or Northern Ireland will likely also be eligible for cold weather payments (moneysavingexpert.com), where you automatically get £25 each time the average temperature in your area is – or forecast to be – 0°C or below for seven days in a row between 1 November and 31 March. Similarly, those eligible in Scotland will get a one-off £58.75 to help with heating bills this winter.
If you're eligible for the winter fuel payment, you may also be eligible for the £150 warm home discount (moneysavingexpert.com). Check our guide for full details on who is eligible and when you might need to claim it.
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills
- You can help your self by visiting Pension Credit toolkit - GOV.UK (GOV.UK) or check out winter fuel payment (moneysavingexpert.com)
- If you are struggling to manage with rising costs, contact the Cost of Living Support team for advice and support. Including assistance claiming pension credit by completing our cost of living contact form, calling 01455 238141 or visit cost of living support
- Citizens Advice- Leicestershire (citizensadviceleicestershire.org) - Telephone: 0808 278 7854 (Leicestershire residents)
Last updated: 09/10/2024 11:48
