Winter Fuel Payment: Check If You Qualify
Nearly half a million people have expressed their concerns over changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, urging the UK Government to reconsider. The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free sum provided to individuals over the state pension age to assist with heating costs during the winter months. Here is the full breakdown of who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment:
Who Qualifies:
- Born before September 23, 1958
- Reside in England or Wales and receive one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit income-related
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
It is essential to note who is not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment:
Who is Not Eligible:
- Residents of Scotland
- Individuals in hospital for over a year
- Those needing permission to claim public funds
- Individuals in prison for the entire week of September 16 to 22, 2024
- If you reside in a care home for over 13 weeks during the specified week
For those residing abroad, some may still be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if certain criteria are met. Eligibility includes:
- Moved to an eligible country before January 1, 2021
- Born before September 23, 1958
- Have a genuine link to the UK, such as previous residency or family ties
Claiming the Winter Fuel Payment can be done by post starting September 16, 2024, and via phone starting October 10. Eligible countries for those residing outside the UK are listed on the GOV.UK website. The UK government aims to ensure more individuals receive this benefit through the ‘Pension Credit Week of Action’. This initiative encourages older individuals to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, providing access to Winter Fuel Payments. Stay informed, check your eligibility, and secure the support you deserve.