The Winter Fuel Payment used to provide all pension-age households with up to £300 to help pay their energy bills each winter. However, in July the government announced that sweeping changes would be made this winter, which means that you may no longer qualify for the payment. Read below on how to apply (if you need to), when you can expect to receive your payment and, if you’re not eligible, what you can do.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free grant given every year to eligible pension households to help them pay their heating costs over the winter. It is available to over a million households in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Previously the grant had given up to £300 to all pension households (those with anyone at an address at state pension age) however, it has been announced that from this winter the payment would be restricted only to those on Pension Credit or certain other benefits.

The cut has been lambasted by many, including well known Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis who proclaimed that:

“The targeting of Winter Fuel Payments is too narrow with the winter we have coming. Pensioners were already due to get less, as this will be the first time since winter 2022 they haven't got the up to £300 extra winter fuel cost of living top-up.”

With “The Energy Price Cap…likely to rise 10% this October,” it is more important than ever to know what you’re entitled to, what you can do if you’re not, and if you are eligible, when you will receive your payment.

Am I Eligible?

Beginning this winter (2024/25), for those of you in Wales, you’ll only be able to claim a Winter Fuel Payment if you’re over state pension age AND already claim one of the following benefits:

• 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

For the full eligibility list, please take a look here!

Although the qualifying week for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment has now passed (16^th and 22^nd September 2024), YOU MAY STILL BE EILGIBLE for the payment if you are successful in applying for Pension Credit by 21^st December 2024. This is due to the fact that Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months (provided you would have been entitled to the benefit at an earlier date.) So, ensure that you apply if you are!

In Wales, if you are eligible for the payment, you should also receive it automatically – there is no need to claim it. If you are going to receive it, you should get a letter in October and November informing you of your eligibility, how much you will receive, and your estimated payment date. You should then receive the payment in November or December into the same account that you would receive your benefits.

If you believe you are eligible but don’t receive a letter to confirm it, or you don’t receive your payment by 29^th January 2025, you will need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

What am I entitled to?

If you are eligible, you’ll receive up to £300, dependent upon your circumstances. Remember that as of last year, the extra £300 cost of living top-up has now ended, so you will not receive this.

Ensure you inform the Government as soon as possible if there are any changes to your circumstances a show much you can claim could change!

Ensure you’re not missing out!

With the upcoming change its vital that you know what you’re entitled to so that you’re not missing out on vital help.

Over 800,000 people who are eligible for Pension Credit do not currently claim it, and it is typically the first step to qualifying for other forms of help or extra support. Could it be you?

If you have all the help you’re entitled to and are still struggling, there are other places you can go for help!

• Speak to your supplier if you’re struggling to pay, as there are a range of options suppliers can offer if you’re struggling! This also applies to prepay meters!
• Get on the Priority Services Register if you're vulnerable!
• Check that you’re eligible for the Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales
• Octopus Energy has relaunched its free electric blankets scheme for those most in need!
• Find your local Warm Welcome Space to keep warm and meet others!
• If you’re struggling with more than just energy bills, ensure to get in touch for help and advice – such as Citizen’s Advice, StepChange, MoneyHelper and the National Debt Line.
• If you require specialist help as an elderly individual, ensure to get in touch with Age UK, who can offer you more specific help!

Saving Money

There are also many ways to save money over winter and things you can do before resorting to heating the home. Check out our Autumn Money-Saving Tips blog for help and advice on how to warm yourself first! But always ensure that you’re keeping yourself and your home healthy in the process!