Do you know if you’re eligible for help towards your heating bills this winter?
The Winter Fuel Payment, also called the Heating Allowance, is a tax-free payment towards the cost of heating bills, for people who were aged 66 or older on the 25 September this year. This isn’t a new scheme: the Winter Fuel Payment is paid annually, but with the cost of living soaring right now, it’s never been more vital. Here’s a quick guide to all the essential facts about the Winter Fuel Payment.
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility
In winter 2023–4, this payment is for anyone born on or before 25 September 1957, who lives in the UK.
(The key here is that you need to be living in the UK for at least one day of the‘qualifying week’ of 18–24 September 2023. That said, you may still qualify if you are living in Switzerland or an EEA country and have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK, so it’s worth checking your eligibility.)
What age do you get Winter Fuel Allowance?
If you were aged 66 or older on 25 September 2023, you could be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment 2023.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
It will be between £250 and £600. The amount varies depending on your age, living situation, and whether you receive certain benefits. You can find out your exact amount here.
The amount you receive may include an additional Pensioner Cost of Living Payment (between £150 and £300) added to the usual Winter Fuel Payment.
How do I get the Winter Fuel Payment?
Most people who are eligible will be paid automatically (no need to apply) in November or December. If this applies to you, you’ll get a letter saying how much money you’ll get and which bank account it will be paid into.
If you think you’re eligible but you don’t receive a letter, call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160. You’ll need your National Insurance number and your bank or building society details to hand.
When will the Winter Fuel Payments be made?
The Winter Fuel Payment dates 2023 are sometime during November or December. The payment will be made some time during those months – no exact date has been given.
If you don’t get a letter, or if the money hasn’t been paid to your account by 26 January 2024, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 or filling inthis online form.
If you were aged 66 or older on the 25 September 2023, you could be eligible for the winter fuel payment 2023. Check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment here.
If you’re eligible, you should be paid automatically in November or December.
You should be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 25 September 1957 and you live in the UK. However, there are some reasons why you might not be eligible. Check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment here.
What payments you get depends on how old you both are at the time. Check how much you’re entitled to here.
How much Winter Fuel Payment you are entitled to depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week. The Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week 2023 was 18 — 24 September 2023.
