Winter Fuel Payment
- £200: If you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £300: If you were born before September 23, 1944
Eligibility
You are probably aware from media coverage that the eligibility for the payment has significantly changed this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that 9.3 million fewer people will claim the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024–25 than in 2023–24. This is due to the government's decision to link the payment to Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit for pensioners on low incomes.
To be eligible for the 2024 Winter Fuel Payment, you must:
- Be a resident of England or Wales
- Receive Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit
- Not have been in prison during the week of September 16–22, 2024
- Not have been in a hospital for more than a year receiving free treatment
- Not have lived in a care home for the entire period from June 24 to September 22, 2024
Pension Credit
You can apply now:
You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- information about any income, savings and investments you have
- information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago or the date you reached State Pension age)
You’ll also need your bank account details. Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
Apply Now
Not Eligible for Pension Credit/ Winter Fuel Allowance?
Warm Home Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible.
You qualify if you either:
- get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- are on a low income and have high energy costs
Help with Energy Bills
If you or your family member/ friend are not eligible for the above there may be other forms of financial support available to help cover the costs of heating throughout winter 24/25.
Both Local Authorities have pulled together further information covering the Energy Price Guarantee, Grants and so much more. Take a look: