Millions of people qualify for the DWP’s winter fuel payment but many are unaware that the amount they get depends on when they were born – and for some, it’s changing from tomorrow
As many are aware, millions of state pensioners will lose their £300 winter fuel payment if they no longer claim a qualifying benefit, following the government’s decision to make the payment means-tested rather than universal. However, what many may not realise is that even if you do qualify for the winter fuel payment this year, the exact amount you can receive will vary depending on your birth year and possibly other circumstances as well.
Previously, the winter fuel payment was automatically given to all state pensioners. However, under the new rules, you need to be claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit.
READ MORE: Save 20% on ‘painless’ hair removal device that delivers ‘amazing results’
For those who are of state pension age but under 80, meaning born on or before September 22, 1958, and qualify, a £200 payment will be received. Meanwhile, those aged over 80 – born September 23, 1944 or earlier – will receive £300.
The amount you receive is determined by your birth date and your circumstances between September 16 and 22, 2024. This period is known as the ‘qualifying week’. If you missed it, you can backdate Pension Credit claims until December, so it’s still available now.
This implies that if you are now over 80 and qualify, your winter fuel payment will increase from £200 to £300, reports the Express. Most qualifying individuals will receive a letter detailing how much they’ll get and into which bank account it will be paid – usually the same as your Pension Credit or other benefits.
Age UK has issued crucial advice, saying: “If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically.
“If you’ve never received a winter fuel payment before, or if you claim Universal Credit, you might need to make a claim. And if you receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, you must make a claim.”
Explaining the disbursement timeline, Age UK says: “You should receive your payment between mid-November and Christmas. Call the winter fuel payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if you have any enquiries or you don’t receive your payment.”