It can be hard to stay warm in the winter, especially since the cost of energy is going up. The UK government gives the Winter Fuel Payment to help people pay their heating bills. Higher energy prices can be hard on people’s finances, but this help helps qualified people pay for their heating costs by giving them a tax-free benefit.
As part of the winter fuel payments, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set up a number of one-time payments for UK State Pensioners worth up to £367. This one-time payment of up to £367 from the DWP will be put into the accounts of people who get a state pension no earlier than November. These payments should be sent to people who are qualified by Christmas.
Who is Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
There are some requirements you must meet in order to get this Payment. The requirements to be eligible are:
Who are the Exceptions?
You won’t be able to get the Winter Fuel Payment if, during the week that counts, you:
- Are in the hospital and getting free care for more than 52 weeks.
- Need permission to enter the UK, and the permission you are given says you can’t claim public funds.
- Were locked up for the whole qualifying week.
- They lived in a care home from June 24, 2024, to September 15, 2024, and they got benefits like Pension Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance based on their income.
This article will go into great depth about these payments, such as who is eligible, how much they can expect to get, and when they can expect to get it.
How Much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The amount of the payment depends on the situation and where the person lives. Here are the specifics for the winter of 2024–2025:
For those born on or before 25 September 1958
- £250 if you live alone or with no one else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
- £250 if you live with someone else under 80 who goes too.
- £250 if you don’t get certain benefits and live in a care home.
- £500 if you live with someone else who is 80 or older and also qualified.
- £500 if you live with a partner who is eligible and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £500 if you live with someone who qualified who is not your partner and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £500 if you don’t get certain benefits and live in a care home.
For those born before 25 September 1944
- £300 if you live alone or with no one else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
- £300 if you live with someone under 80 who also qualified.
£300 if you don’t get certain benefits and live in a care home. - £600 if you live with someone else who is 80 or older and also qualified.
- £600 if you live with a partner who is eligible and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £600 if you live with someone who qualified who is not your partner and one of you gets certain benefits.
When Are the Payments Made?
Between November and December, winter fuel payments are often made immediately. By Christmas, most of the bills are paid. You should call the Winter Fuel Payment Center if you don’t get your payment by the end of December.
How to Claim the Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is automatically given to people who are qualified and getting the State Pension or another social security benefit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit). Most people don’t need to claim it.
If you should get a payment automatically but don’t, you will need to make a claim. You can call or write to make a claim. Here is an in-depth, step-by-step guide on how to use each method:
Applying by Post
- Visit the Winter Fuel Payment claim form for UK residents.
- Fill out all of the needed parts of the form. Make sure the information you give is correct and full.
- Attach the necessary papers.
- Send it to this address:
- Winter Fuel Payment Center Wolverhampton WV98 1LR Mail Handling Site A
To claim by phone
- elephone: 0800 731 0160
- Textphone: Contact Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 731 0160
- British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
Before you call, you will need to know:
- The number of your National Insurance
- The information for your bank or building company
- If it applies, the date you got married or formed a civil partnership