The DWP has explained four reasons why people will not get the Winter Fuel Payment this year – even where some people think they will receive it.
The payout has undergone changes, and now will only go to those receiving Pension Credit and certain other benefits. However, even these individuals are not guaranteed this vital support.
The Department for Work and Pensions has identified four main reasons why some pensioners may not receive the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, despite being on benefits.
To qualify for WFP, claimants must have had an active claim during the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024.
However, even those who qualify for Pension Credit may find themselves excluded from the Winter Fuel Payment under certain conditions.
There are four primary reasons why pensioners might not receive the Winter Fuel Payment, even if they are claiming benefits.
If they are:
– Living in Scotland.
– Residing in a care home for the entire period from 24 June to 22 September 2024.
– Being hospitalised for free treatment for more than a year.
– Being incarcerated for the entire qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.
These exclusions apply regardless of whether a person is receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. It’s crucial for pensioners to be aware of these conditions to understand their eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment is not available to pensioners. Instead, they can apply for the Winter Heating Payment (WHP), worth £58.75, which will be paid from December 2024.
The WHP is automatically awarded to those claiming eligible benefits, including Pension Credit.
However, some Scottish residents may still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if they meet certain criteria and live in an eligible European Economic Area country or Switzerland.
Those who have resided in a care home for the entire period from June 24 to September 22, 2024 will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. However, if they lived in a care home for less than 13 weeks, including the qualifying week, they could still receive the payment.
Pensioners who have been hospitalised and receiving free treatment for more than a year, and those who were incarcerated for the entire qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024, are also ineligible.
The deadline for claiming Winter Fuel Payment is fast approaching. Pensioners who haven’t yet applied for Pension Credit can still do so, as claims can be backdated by up to three months.
The last day to secure eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment is December 2 and allows for backdating to cover the qualifying week in September.
