DWP £100 Winter Fuel Payment: State Pensioners Born in Before 1958 Will be Qualify

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DWP £100 Winter Fuel Payment State Pensioners Born in Before 1958 Will be Qualify

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging pensioners to see if they qualify for an extra £100 on their winter fuel payment this year. The winter fuel payment helps older people on low incomes cover heating costs, but many may not realize they could be eligible for a higher payment or need to make a claim under the new rules introduced by the government.

What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The winter fuel payment is a tax-free benefit paid annually to help older people manage fuel expenses during the colder months. Payments are typically issued automatically to those who qualify, but recent changes in the eligibility criteria mean some people may need to submit a claim this year.

Who Is Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024/2025?

Eligibility depends on your age and circumstances during the qualifying week, which for this year is 16 to 22 September 2024.

You may qualify if:

  • You were born on or before 22 September 1958
  • You receive a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Key Payment Amounts Based on Age:

  • £200: If you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
  • £300: If you were born on or before 22 September 1944 (over 80 years old)

What Has Changed?

Previously, the winter fuel payment was issued automatically to all state pensioners. However, starting this winter, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit to receive the payment.

If you missed the qualifying week, you can backdate your Pension Credit claim until December 2024, which means you could still qualify for this year’s payment.

How to Apply for the Winter Fuel Payment

Most eligible pensioners will receive the payment automatically if they are already receiving a qualifying benefit. However, you may need to submit a claim in the following situations:

  • You’ve never received a winter fuel payment before
  • You’re claiming Universal Credit
  • You’re receiving Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit

How to Claim:

  • Online: Visit the official government website
  • By phone: Call the winter fuel payment helpline at 0800 731 0160

When Will Payments Be Made?

Most payments will be issued between mid-November and Christmas 2024.

What You’ll Need to Apply:

  • National Insurance number
  • Bank or building society account details
  • Information about any qualifying benefits you’re currently receiving

How Is the Payment Distributed?

If you’re already receiving a qualifying benefit, the payment will usually be deposited into the same bank account where you receive your Pension Credit or other benefits. If you’re not receiving it automatically, you’ll need to apply.

Benefits of Claiming Pension Credit

Claiming Pension Credit not only qualifies you for the winter fuel payment but could also provide additional financial support, including:

  • Council tax reductions
  • Help with NHS costs
  • Cold Weather Payments during extreme winter conditions

What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment

If you believe you qualify but haven’t received your payment by Christmas, contact the winter fuel payment helpline at 0800 731 0160.

Summary of Payment Eligibility and Amounts

Date of BirthAmountEligibility
Born on or before 22 Sep 1958£200State pensioners under 80 receiving a qualifying benefit
Born on or before 22 Sep 1944£300Pensioners over 80 receiving a qualifying benefit
Eligible but not receiving benefitsApply manually if receiving Universal Credit or tax credits

Pensioners struggling with rising fuel costs should check their eligibility for the winter fuel payment, especially since new rules now require many to claim through qualifying benefits like Pension Credit. The additional £100 boost for those over 80 could make a significant difference this winter, and with backdated claims available, it’s not too late to qualify.

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FAQ’s

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free benefit paid annually to help older people manage heating expenses during the colder months.

Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024/2025?

You may qualify if you were born on or before 22 September 1958 and receive a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

What is the payment amount for the Winter Fuel Payment?

Eligible pensioners can receive £200 if they were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958, and £300 if they were born on or before 22 September 1944 (over 80 years old).

What has changed in the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility?

Previously, payments were issued automatically to all state pensioners. Now, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit, like Pension Credit, to qualify.

How can I apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if I’m not receiving it automatically?

You can apply online through the official government website or call the winter fuel payment helpline at 0800 731 0160.

What should I do if I miss the qualifying week?

You can backdate your Pension Credit claim until December 2024 to still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year.

When will Winter Fuel Payments be made?

Most payments will be issued between mid-November and Christmas 2024.

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