Pensioners across the country are quickly running out of time to make a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment. Many older people should have already received letters from the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) informing them of changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
Pensioners who receive a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (an annual award of at least £26) or Universal Credit (mixed couples only), during any day of the qualifying week (September 16-22), will be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment worth £200.
For those aged over 80, the payment is £300, while those over 80 residing in care homes will receive £150. DWP guidance states that if you do not receive a letter or the money has not been deposited into your account by January 29, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
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Winter Fuel Payment explained
Those born before 23rd September 1958 and receiving a qualifying income-related benefit such as Pension Credit during the week of 16th-22nd September 2024 will automatically receive the tax-free payment that won’t affect other benefits.
Most eligible individuals should have received their payments in November or December, paid into the bank account where their State Pension or benefits are usually deposited.
Eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment this year requires that you were born before September 23, 1958, live in Scotland, England or Wales, and receive one of the listed benefits:
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Income Support
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Working Tax or Child Tax Credits
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Pension Credit
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Universal Credit
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim by calling 0800 99 1234 – the lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre
You can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre through post or via phone. Before doing so, expect them to ask for personal details including your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance Number.
If you’re in the UK you can dial 0800 731 0160 while if you’re outside the UK you can dial +44 (0)191 218 7777. Lines are generally open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can also send a letter to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at the following address:
Winter Fuel Payment CentreMail Handling Site AWolverhamptonWV98 1ZU