Pensioners across the UK can get help with their heating bills through the annual Winter Fuel Payment. This year a 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment' will also be made.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has now released updated guidance for millions of older people set to receive the £300 one-off boost. It will be paid on top of the existing Winter Fuel Payment.
More than 8 million eligible households who receive the Winter Fuel Payment across the UK will receive the extra cash from November 2022. The Winter Fuel Payment, including the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for other benefits, the Daily Record reports.
However, the full amount of Winter Fuel Payment you will get for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances. People will be entitled to this payment if they are over State Pension age (aged 66 or above) between 19 and 25 September 2022.
Winter Fuel Payment rates 2022/23
Amounts shown in all examples are the total payments.
You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify)
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £500
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £600
You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £250
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £350
You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £250
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £300
You qualify and live with someone who gets certain benefits
Benefits - Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support.
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £500 - only one of you will get the payment
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £600 - only one of you will get the payment
You qualify, live in a care home and do not get certain benefits
Benefits - Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £250
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £300
There are certain circumstances where an individual above State Pension age does not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment which can be found on GOV.UK, here.
Do you have to claim your Winter Fuel Payment?
You will get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically (you do not need to claim) if you are eligible and either:
- get the State Pension
- get another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit)
If you do not get either of these, or if you live abroad, you may need to make a claim. If you have received a Winter Fuel Payment before, you do not need to claim again unless you have deferred your state pension or moved abroad.
