Those expecting to receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter are being reminded to be aware of crucial dates and eligibility rules.
Elderly individuals who claim any of five means-tested benefits will qualify for the financial aid this year, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
The energy support scheme is now limited to those on Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Universal Credit.
The Department for Work and Pensions has declared that the qualifying week for this winter’s payment is from September 16 to 22.
In addition to being on any of these means-tested benefits, you must have reached state pension age during that period.
Provided you attain the current state pension age of 66 before September 23, you will be eligible for the payment. However, anyone celebrating their 66th birthday on or after September 23 will need to wait until next year to get the funds.
Gov.uk guidance further states that you will not be eligible if you have been in hospital receiving free treatment for over a year, or require permission to enter the UK and your granted leave stipulates that you cannot claim public funds.
Anyone who was in prison during the key dates mentioned above will also be ineligible.
Individuals residing in a care home during the qualifying week could receive the payment as long as their total stay does not exceed 13 weeks. Further details are provided below.
How much will I get with my Winter Fuel Payment?
If you’re living alone, the amount you’ll receive depends on your age. You’ll get £200 if your birth date falls between September 23, 1944, and September 22, 1958.
If you were born before September 23, 1944, you’ll receive £300.
For those living with a partner, if both of you jointly claim any of the eligible benefits, one of you will receive either £200 (if both of you were born between September 23, 1944, and September 22, 1958) or £300 (if one or both of you were born before September 23, 1944).
Even if you live in a care home, you can still receive the Winter Fuel Payment if your stay is less than 13 weeks, including the week of September 16 to 22, 2024, and you receive any qualifying benefits.
In this case, you’ll get £100 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958, or £150 if you were born before September 23, 1944.
Eligible individuals should receive a letter in October or November detailing how much Winter Fuel Payment they’ll be getting. The payment will be deposited into the same bank account where your benefits are usually paid.
