With the critical winter fuel payment deadline looming, eligible individuals are urged to act swiftly to secure financial aid ranging from £2-300 to assist with heating costs. Last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves was under fire for reducing this benefit, affecting around 10 million pensioners in an effort to cut costs.
Presently, only those on Pensions Credit with an income below £11,400 a year qualify. Strikingly, an estimated 750,000 people eligible for pensions credit, which could provide roughly £4,200 annually, fail to claim it, missing out on the winter fuel allowance.
The Department for Work and Pensions is expected to transfer the £2-300 into accounts by tomorrow – Wednesday, January 29. The DWP advises, “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 29 January 2025, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”
For enquiries, supply the following details when reaching out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre:.
You can make contact via phone call or by sending a letter
Telephone: 0800 731 0160.
Address:
Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Mail Handling Site A.
Wolverhampton.
WV98 1LR.
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025, you must have been born before 23 September 1958, reside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and be a recipient of one of the specified benefits. Additionally, you should have been receiving one of these benefits during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.
Under certain conditions, eligibility may extend to those living abroad. The payment amounts vary depending on whether you live alone or with someone, and if you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits.
In terms of the payments if you’re living alone you’ll get either:
£200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
£300 if you were born before 23 September 1944If you live with someone
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get 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 dispute is currently unfolding in Scotland over the decision to scrap the payment for 10 million state pensioners. This Scottish challenge was initiated by pensioners Florence and Peter Fanning from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, who have sought the assistance of former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC and Govan Law Centre.
The pensioners aim to reverse Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to terminate the universal nature of the payment. A second case, supported by union Unite, represents 11 petitioners in the English courts.
Both cases seek to overturn the decision. For more information on the Winter Fuel Payments, click here.
