UK State Pensioners Eligible for Increased Winter Fuel Payments
State pensioners in the UK who were born before a certain year may benefit from a £100 boost in their Winter Fuel Payments. The rules for the Winter Fuel Payment, which can be worth up to £300, are changing this winter with the introduction of means testing for the first time.
Under the updated regulations, state pensioners must be claiming a qualifying benefit such as pension credit to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Those who are of state pension age but under 80, born on or before September 22, 1958, and qualify, will receive a £200 payment. Meanwhile, individuals over 80 – born on September 23, 1944, or earlier – will receive £300.
The specific amount a pensioner receives is determined by their birth date and circumstances during the qualifying week between 16 and 22 September 2024. Even if they missed this period, they can backdate pension credit claims until December to still be eligible. This means that for those over 80 who qualify, their Winter Fuel Payment will increase from £200 to £300.
Most eligible individuals will receive a letter detailing the payment amount and the bank account where it will be deposited, usually the same account used for Pension Credit or other benefits. Age UK provides guidance, stating that the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically if they claim pension credit, Income Support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, or income-related employment and support allowance. However, if someone has never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or if they claim universal credit, they may need to make a claim. The same applies to those receiving child tax credit or working tax credit.
Payments are typically made between mid-November and Christmas. Enquiries or issues with payments can be directed to the Winter Fuel Payment helpline at 0800 731 0160. These changes highlight the importance of understanding the eligibility criteria and requirements for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment to ensure that pensioners receive the support they are entitled to.
By adjusting the Winter Fuel Payment system to be means-tested, the UK government aims to better target support to those who need it most. These changes emphasise the significance of staying informed about updates to pension benefits and ensuring that eligible individuals receive the financial assistance they are entitled to during the winter months.