The Winter Fuel Payment is a government benefit in the UK aimed at helping older people pay their heating bills during the cold time of the year.

Who gets the Winter Fuel Payment?

Those born before 23 September 1958 could receive either £200 or £300. This sum is given to help older people afford their heating during this winter and into 2025. Those eligible will receive a letter in the post sometime during October or November stating how much they will get.

They must also reside in England or Wales and be in receipt of one or more of the UK state benefits. These include Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit, ESA, JSA and Income Support. Householders will not receive the payment if they live in Scotland.

Have there been any changes to eligibility?

In July, the government amended the criteria for eligibility. This means that those people who are not receiving means-tested benefits like Pension Credit will no longer be given the payment. According to the BBC pensioners have criticised the government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments and have held a protest outside an MP’s office in South Yorkshire.

How to Reduce Heating Costs

Solar panels can reduce home fuel costs by generating renewable energy directly from sunlight. This reduces the amount of electricity householders need to purchase from the grid. If you are interested and want to explore solar panels Gloucester, installers such as gsmlimited.com/services/solar-panels/gloucester can offer advice on the various options.

What if a person lives abroad?

If they do not reside in the UK, they will only receive the payment if they were born before 23 September 1958. They must also receive a benefit paid by the UK, which could be a state pension. There are other eligibility criteria including having a genuine link to the UK. Those people must also be in receipt of a qualifying means-tested benefit in the country in which they live. This should be equivalent to benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support or Working Tax Credit.