The days are growing shorter, and while the weather is not getting any cooler, summer will soon be coming to an end. To help Brits cope with winter in 2023, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering a helping hand.
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If you were born before 25 September 1957, you could be eligible to receive a Winter Fuel Payment ranging from £250 to £600, designed to assist in covering those hefty heating billsthat often accompany the colder months.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is afinancial assistance program that aims to provide relief to older individuals during the winter season by helping them manage their heating costs. The payment includes a 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment,' which adds an extra layer of support, ranging from £150 to £300, for the winter of 2023 to 2024.
This extra amount is given in addition to any existing Cost of Living Payments associated with your benefits or tax credits.
Are you eligible?
The good news is that most eligible individuals receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically, without the need for a separate application.
If you were born before 25 September 1957 and reside in the UK (with some exceptions for those living abroad under certain circumstances), you are generally eligible. However, there are a few instances that could render you ineligible:
- If you have received free hospital treatment for more than a year.
- If your granted leave to enter the UK explicitly prohibits you from claiming public funds.
- If you were in prison for the entire week of 18 to 24 September 2023.
Additionally, if you live in a care home, your eligibility might depend on whether you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), as well as whether you resided in the care home from 26 June to 24 September 2023.
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How much can you expect to claim?
If you're eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you'll receive a notification letter in October or November, outlining the exact amount you can expect to receive. The calculation of your payment hinges on your birthdate and circumstances during the 'qualifying week,' which falls between 18 to 24 September 2023.
The payment amounts differ based on whether you live alone, live with someone else who's eligible, or jointly claim certain benefits with your partner.
For those living alone or with ineligible household members:
- Born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957: £500
- Born before 25 September 1943: £600
If you live with someone else who's eligible, your payment may vary based on your benefits:
- Pension Credit, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, or Income Support: Payment varies
- No benefits: Payment ranges from £250 to £350, depending on birthdates
Couples who jointly claim benefits will also see variations in their payment amounts:
- Both born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957: £500
- One or both born before 25 September 1943: £600
It's important to note that the Winter Fuel Payment is tax-free and will not impact your other benefits. The payment is deposited directly into the bank account where your benefits are routinely received.
For more details on how much you can claim and how to apply, head to GOV.UK.
Read more: Millions to receive extra money from DWP later this year, check if you qualify
Sources used:
GOV.UK
