Keep Winter Fuel Payment

Keep Winter Fuel Payment: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off tax-free payment that helps low-income households with their winter heating costs. It is paid to those who are in receipt of certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Income Support. The amount of the payment is dependent on age and living arrangements.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must: • Be over 65 years old • Be under 65 and receive Pension Credit • Be under 65 and have received Income Support for 3 months in a row, or from 28 October 2020 onwards received a payment of Universal Credit that included an element of income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit

You must also live in the UK for at least one day during the week of 21st-27th September 2023 (the "qualifying week").

How to Claim

You do not need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment. It is paid automatically to those who are eligible. If you think you should have received a payment but have not, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

Payment Amounts

The amount of the Winter Fuel Payment depends on your age and living arrangements. For the winter of 2023-24, the payment rates are as follows:

• £250 if you were born on or before 25 September 1956
• £400 if you were born before 26 September 1942
• £600 if you receive Pension Credit and you’re either over 80 years old or you live with someone who is
• £600 if you receive Universal Credit and you, or your partner, receive a severe disability premium or the new daily living component with your payment

Payment Date

The Winter Fuel Payment is usually paid in November or December. The exact date will vary depending on your circumstances.

Help with Energy Bills

There are a number of other schemes that can help with energy bills, such as: • the Warm Home Discount Scheme • the Cold Weather Payment • the Energy Company Obligation

For more information on these schemes, please visit the GOV.UK website.

Conclusion

The Winter Fuel Payment is a valuable benefit that can help low-income households with their winter heating costs. If you think you may be eligible, please contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.