A crucial deadline is fast approaching for those eligible for a winter fuel payment. The financial aid, ranging from £2-300, is intended to assist some of the country’s poorest households with heating bills.
Last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced backlash for slashing this benefit, affecting approximately 10 million pensioners in an effort to save funds. Only those receiving Pensions Credit, earning less than £11,400 annually, are eligible.
It’s estimated that around 750,000 people who could claim pensions credit, worth roughly £4,200 annually, currently don’t, thus missing out on the winter fuel payment. The deadline for the £2-300 winter fuel payment to be deposited into recipients’ accounts by the Department for Work and Pensions is next Wednesday, January 29.
Most payments are automatically made in November or December. Prior to the payment, recipients should have received a letter notifying them of:
- how much they’ll get
- which bank account it will be paid into – this is usually the same account as for Pension Credit or other benefits
If you haven’t received a letter or the money hasn’t been paid into your account by 29 January 2025, you’re advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre here.
Eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025 requires you to have been born before 23 September 1958, live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and receive one of the specified benefits.
You’ll also need to have been receiving one of the following benefits during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
In certain circumstances, you might be eligible if you live abroad.
If you live alone, you’ll receive either:
- £200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944
If you live with someone, if you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will receive a payment of either:
- £200 if one or both of you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944
A legal battle is currently taking place in Scotland over the decision to scrap the payment for 10 million state pensioners. The Scottish challenge was initiated by pensioners Florence and Peter Fanning, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, who are represented by former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC and Govan Law Centre.
The pensioners, who were not present at the court on Wednesday, are attempting to reverse Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to remove the universality of the payment. A second case, supported by union Unite, is representing 11 petitioners in the English courts.
Both are aiming to overturn the decision.
