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.
New plans announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July 2024 mean the loss of winter fuel payments for almost 10 million of us.
From autumn 2024, those of us not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the annual payments worth between £100 and £300, though the measures will hopefully ensure that those most in need will still receive the payments.
The Winter Fuel Allowance, also known as the Winter Fuel Payment, is a one-off tax-free payment paid to people of state pension age.
Before the changes it was available to all pensioners and was introduced in 1997 with the aim of helping older people keep warm during the winter months.
People on pension credit, a means-tested benefit based on income and savings, will be eligible.
To be eligible for pension credit, you need to be above state pension age and have an income of less than £218.15 a week as a single person or £332.95 as a couple. Savings are also taken into account – so if you have a certain level of savings, even if you are on pension credit, you may be ineligible.
You’ll be eligible if:
You can apply for Pension Credit online, over the phone or by post.
You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach state pension age or any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by 3 months.
If eligible, you can claim the allowance at the age of 66 at the time of the qualifying week in September – state pension age. In other terms, this will apply if you were born on or before 22 September 1958 (for 2024-25).
The amount of winter fuel allowance eligible pensioners receive depends on their age and their living situation during the qualifying week. The amount will generally be between £250 and £500.
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 do not receive information about your eligibility, we recommend contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, you may find their details below.
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
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.
Moving from an older property to a newly built home will doubtless reduce your energy bills whilst keeping you warm.
New properties are built with high standards of insulation, are less draughty and far more energy efficient. Take a look at our blog on energy efficiency for more details. If you haven’t yet moved home, there are also a number of ways you can save money on your energy.
There are two other benefits that you may be eligible to receive. These include:
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