The average household energy bill is set to rise by £149 from October, as Ofgem announces a 10% increase in its price cap. This means that the typical household in England, Scotland and Wales will see their energy costs rise from the current £1,568 to £1,717.
It comes as households prepare for the colder months, and following changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility by the UK Government, only 1.5 million of Britain’s 12.7m pensioners will receive a lump sum of up to £300.
Approximately 10m people over State Pension age will not receive these payments as they do not receive an income-related benefit such as Pension Credit. However, it is estimated that 880,000 pensioners are eligible for this benefit but are not claiming it, missing out on an annual income boost of £3,900, as well as help with housing costs, Council Tax and heating bills.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is currently received by nearly 1.4m older people across Great Britain. This means-tested benefit can provide access to help with housing costs, Winter Fuel Payment and Council Tax.
Some older people may believe that they are not eligible for this benefit if they have savings or own their home. However, Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples, reports the Daily Record.
It is a tax-free payment for those who:
- have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and
- live in Great Britain
A mere £1 per week award can open the door to additional support.
Pension Credit claims made before December 21, 2024 that are later successful will also be eligible for a backdated Winter Fuel Payment. This is due to the fact that claims can be backdated up to three months, which brings the entitlement within the September qualifying week.
How to quickly check Pension Credit eligibility
Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim at 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert assistance and advice is also available from:
Winter Fuel Payments
Individuals born before September 23, 1958 who receive a qualifying income-related benefit such as Pension Credit during the qualifying week of September 16-22, 2024 will automatically receive the payment – the money is tax-free and won’t affect other benefits.
DWP guidance on GOV.UK indicates that letters will be sent to eligible pensioner households in October or November informing them of the amount of Winter Fuel Payment they will receive.
Most eligible individuals will receive payment in November or December. The payment will be deposited into the bank account where your State Pension or benefits are typically paid.
The latest guidelines indicate that if you haven’t received a letter or the funds have not been deposited into your account by 29th January 2025, you should get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment
You are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this year if you were born before 23rd September 1958.
Additionally, you must 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
In certain situations, you may be eligible even if you live overseas.
When you won’t be eligible
You will not qualify if you:
- Have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison for the whole of the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024
How much Winter Fuel Payment you will receive
If you live alone
You will get either:
- £200 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £300 if you were born before September 23, 1944
If 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 both of you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £300 if one or both of you were born before September 23, 1944
If you live in a care home
If you are eligible you will get either:
- £100 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £150 if you were born before September 23, 1944
Check if you need to claim
If you do not get any of the qualifying means-tested benefits, you need to claim if either of the following apply:
How to claim
You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by:
- Post – from September 16, 2024
- Phone – from October 10, 2024
If you receive Universal Credit, you will be informed on how to claim through a message in your journal.
The deadline to make a claim for winter 2024 to 2025 is 31st March 2025. Comprehensive details about eligibility and payments can be found on the Winter Fuel Payment section on GOV.UK here.
