Millions of state pensioners will have to manage without their £300 Winter Fuel Payment this winter, following the government’s decision to introduce means testing for the benefit. This change implies that most state pensioners will no longer receive a £300 payment unless they claim a qualifying benefit.
However, many are unaware that even if they qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this winter, the exact amount they receive will vary based on their birth year and potentially other circumstances. Previously, the Winter Fuel Payment was automatically given to all state pensioners, but starting this winter, claimants must be receiving a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit due to changes in government rules.
State pensioners under 80 years old, born on or before September 22, 1958, who qualify, will receive a £200 payment, while those over 80 – born September 23, 1944, or earlier – will receive £300. The amount received is determined by your age and circumstances during the ‘qualifying week’ of 16 to 22 September 2024.
If you missed this period, Pension Credit claims can be backdated until December, so it’s still available now. Therefore, if you’re over 80 and qualify, your Winter Fuel Payment will increase from £200 to £300, reports the Express.
Most eligible individuals will receive a letter detailing the payment amount and the bank account it will be deposited into, typically the same one used for Pension Credit or other benefits, with disbursements expected in spring. Age UK has advised: “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.”
They added, “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.”