More than 11 million people are set to receive their Winter Fuel Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
According to the DWP, more than 11.6 million pensioners in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will receive the payments as part of a £4.5 billion support package. It means that many pensioners will receive extra help in paying for their energy bills amid a worsening cost of living crisis sweeping the UK.
This year, the Winter Fuel Payment will receive an additional boost of £300, according to the government. This is because the government states that extra support is needed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine driving up the price of energy.
Read more: More than 11 million people to receive DWP payment of up to £600 from today
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: "We want to do everything we can to support pensioners who are often the most exposed to higher costs. That’s why we’re providing all pensioner households with an additional £300 on top of their Winter Fuel Payments to heat their homes and stay warm this winter.
“This extra payment is just one part of the wider support package we’re delivering to help with rising bills, including the biggest State Pension increase in history. Our support doesn’t stop here. As we deal with the impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the pandemic, we will continue to stand by the most vulnerable, with further cost of living payments coming next year.”
Here's everything you need to know about the DWP's Winter Fuel Payment, including eligibility, how much will get paid, and when you can expect to receive it.
When will the Winter Fuel Payment be paid?
The DWP began rolling out its Winter Fuel Payment today (November 23) and will land directly in eligible people's bank accounts. According to the government, most payments will be made automatically between November and December - with the majority of payments being made by January 12, 2023.
How much will I get from the Winter Fuel Payment?
According to the DWP, here's how much you will receive based on a variety of different general circumstances:
Born Between September 26, 1942, and September 25, 1956
- You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) - £500
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You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies - £250
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You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies - £250
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You qualify and live with a partner who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £500
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You qualify and live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £500
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You qualify, live in a care home and do not get certain benefits - £250
Born on or before 25 September 1942
- You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) - £600
-
You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies - £350
-
You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies - £300
-
You qualify and live with a partner who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £600
-
You qualify and live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £600
-
You qualify, live in a care home and do not get certain benefits - £300
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
According to the government, you can receive the Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 26, 1956. You may also be able to claim if you live abroad.
You will not be eligible for the payment if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- You need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says you cannot claim public funds
- You were in prison for the whole of the week of September 19 to 25, 2022.
If you live in a care home, you may still be able to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. However, you won't be eligible if you meet both of the following:
- You get Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- You live in a care home for the whole time from June 27 to September 25, 2022.
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