Energy bills remain high, but for pensioners there may be a number of schemes you can tap into to help you cover the costs over the colder months. One of those is Winter Fuel Allowance, so read on to discover what it is, whether you might be eligible and more.
The Winter Fuel Allowance, also known as the Winter Fuel Payment, is a one-off tax-free payment paid to any households where one of the residents is in receipt of the state pension. It is designed to help older people keep warm during the winter months which is particularly important at present given the high energy prices.
You will be eligible to claim Winter Fuel Allowance at the age of 66 this year - provided you were born on or before 24 September 1957.
Pension credit, income-related employment and support allowance income support may mean your payment will be different. For full details visit the gov.uk website.
Usually, you don’t need to claim Winter Fuel Payment – if you are eligible you will receive it automatically.
If you haven’t received a Winter Fuel Allowance before, you only need to claim if you do not receive benefits or a state pension, you only get housing benefit, council tax reduction or universal credit, if you get benefits or a state pension but live in Switzerland or an EEA country, you get an adult disability payment from the Scottish Government.
If you have received a Winter Fuel Payment before, you only need to claim it since your last payment if you have deferred your state pension, moved to Switzerland or moved to an EEA country. If this is the case you need to contact the winter fuel payment centre.
You call 0800 731 0160 from the UK, or +44 (0) 191 218 7777 from outside the UK and the offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm. Have your NI number handy along with your bank and building society details, your BIC or IBAN numbers if you live in an EEA country or Switzerland and the date you married or entered into a civil partnership (if appropriate).
Send your claim to the following address if you’re in the UK.
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR
Send your claim to the following address if you’re in an EEA country or Switzerland.
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1ZU
UK
As a universal benefit, Winter Fuel Allowance isn’t means-tested but is paid to everyone who qualifies through their age provided they meet various eligibility criteria which include:
If you didn’t live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if you live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area country and you have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK – that is, having lived or worked in the UK or have family in the UK.
If any of the following apply, you cannot claim Winter Fuel Allowance:
If you live alone you receive the full amount of the payment but if you live with a partner or spouse of pension age the individual amount is split between you.
There are two other benefits that you may be eligible to receive. These include:
One of the most effective ways to significantly reduce your energy bills is to move from a large, older family home to a brand new, energy-efficient house or apartment. It is possible to save up to 60% on your energy bills by downsizing – or what is being termed ‘rightsizing.’ Take a look at our blog to find out more.
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