The Government has changed who may receive the winter fuel allowance.
The new critera
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025 if you were born before 23 September 1958. You must also live in England or Wales and get one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
How much you’ll get
You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible.
If you do not get a letter but think you are eligible, check if you need to make a claim. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 16 and 22 September 2024. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get is tax-free and will not affect your other benefits.
If you live alone
You’ll get either:
- £200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944
If you live with someone
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get a payment of either:
- £200 if both of you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944
- You’ll be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.
Pension credit
The 50+ Advice team are very willing to help you to apply for Pension Credit and other benefits. Even if you only get a few pounds, it unlocks access to other grants and discounts. Please get in touch and book an appointment.
