State pensioners across the country are £300 better off this week after the DWP began issuing Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 depending on what year you were born.
Winter Fuel Payments used to be sent out to every state pensioner in the UK every winter but, controversially, the system was changed to a means testing system this year.
This winter marks the first time that millions of state pensioners won’t have £300 in their accounts this week to help cover heating costs.
But for those who are eligible, they will be able to check for £200 or £300 this week, depending on their year of birth.
The payments have usually been sent to every state pensioner in the UK, with £200 for under-75s and £300 for those aged over 75.
Labour announced that the Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be sent out to all state pensioners but instead are being means tested, so only those who are correctly claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit will receive the cash.
Even then, those on low incomes still need to apply for Pension Credit to actually receive it, then apply for the Winter Fuel Payment as well, so as many as 800,000 pensioners who are poor enough to need the money still won’t get it when others receive their payments this week.
For those who are eligible, and have claimed a qualifying benefit, the money should be available any time now as the DWP has officially begun sending the cash.
The DWP said: “The vast majority of these payments will land in pensioners’ bank accounts automatically, directly helping vulnerable households with their energy bills.
“The value of a Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for people born between 23 September, 1944 and 22 September, 1958, and £300 for those born before 23 September, 1944.
“The payment will be credited to bank accounts from 25 November with the payment reference beginning with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’.
“Those who do not receive a payment by 29 January 2025 should contact the department.”
The Department for Work and Pensions is warning pensioners on low incomes to make sure they claim Pension Credit, worth up to £3,900 a year.
The deadline to claim Pension Credit and still get your £300 Winter Fuel Payment is fast approaching, so anyone who can get the money must get their claim in by December 21 and backdate it in order to get the cash this winter.
Then, to claim your Winter Fuel Payment, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre – but you cannot make a claim by phone.
You can call to check, though, on 0800 731 0160, and the claim must be received and approved by December 21 for you to get the money this winter.
