The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently updated online guidance for millions of older people to make it easier and quicker to find out who qualifies for the £300 one-off ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’ on top of their annual Winter Fuel Payment. In order to help people over State Pensions age manage energy bills this winter, more than eight million eligible households who receive the Winter Fuel Payment across the UK will receive the cash boost over November and December.
The DWP has now clarified the payment amounts for several household scenarios including where someone lives on their own, with a partner over or under 80, or whether wither of them receive other benefits. These include Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support.
The Winter Fuel Payment, including the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for other benefits. However, the full amount you will get for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances.
