Winter is a difficult season, especially for households struggling to manage the rising heating costs. To ease this burden, the government introduced the Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) scheme nearly three decades ago to help individuals cover these expenses. But, major changes were introduced to the scheme recently, which modified the eligibility criteria for such payments. Even if one was previously eligible for Winter Fuel Payments, one should understand the changes in rules to confirm eligibility.

Latest guidelines
The Winter Fuel Payment was previously paid to all pensioners to help with energy costs during the coldest period of the year. But, in July 2024, the government issued revised guidelines, restricting all future payments in England and Wales to individuals on low incomes who receive specified benefits, like pension credit. The revised regulations made over 10 million pensioners ineligible for payments starting in the winter of 2024.

Key takeaways and payout details
For individuals born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958 who qualify based on benefits, the Winter Fuel Payment is worth £200. Meanwhile, the payout will be £300 for those born before 23 September 1944 and are on certain benefits. Furthermore, if two people in a household jointly claim benefits, only one among them will receive the payment. It is also important to note that individuals who live in a care home or nursing home from 24 June to 22 September 2024 won’t qualify for Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension credit
For individuals who are over the State Pension age and on a low income, the government provides additional financial assistance through pension credit. This initiative also helps cover housing costs, including ground rent and service charges. One might receive additional help if one is a carer or responsible for a child or young person. Pension credit differs from one’s State Pension, and one can get it even if one has other income, savings, or owns a home. 

Individuals could be eligible for a pension credit if they are above state pension age and earn less than £218.15 a week (for single applicants) or less than £332.95 as a joint weekly income (for joint applicants). One’s savings are also considered in this regard.

The link between Winter Fuel Payment and pension credit
While Winter Fuel Payments are dispersed automatically without direct claims, most eligible people will only receive money if they have first registered to receive a pension credit. WFPs are a state pension top-up worth thousands of pounds yearly. The payment can become the gateway to other financial aid, including a reduction in council tax, a free TV licence for those over 75, or help with NHS costs.

Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment
One might be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2024-2025 without needing to claim if certain criteria are met.

• Born on or before 22 September 1958.
• Be a recipient of Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 2024-25.
• Must have lived in England or Wales during the qualifying week, which is the week beginning on the third Monday in September. This is between 16 to 22 September 2024.

Ways to check the eligibility for WFP
In order to check if one qualifies for heating bill payments, all one needs to do is visit the government’s dedicated calculator available online. One must answer some questions about their circumstances to determine if they can use the calculator.

Eligibility if one lives abroad
If an individual lives outside the UK, eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments will still be granted in various circumstances.

• One was born before 23 September 1958.
• Gets UK State Pension.
• Has a genuine and sufficient link to the country—this can include having lived or worked in the UK or maintaining family ties there.
• The country is responsible for paying your benefits.
• Moved to an eligible country before 31 December 2020 and are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement.

If one is a British or Irish national living in Ireland, eligibility will be more flexible, provided they meet all the other guidelines for qualification. One would also get a qualifying means-tested benefit from one’s current country that is equivalent to the following-

• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income Support
• I ncome-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA )

One must receive the benefits during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.

Payment disbursal dates
For eligible individuals, the Winter Fuel Payment will be credited to their account between 25 November 2024 and 29 January 2025. But, most payments were said to come through between November and December 2024. Eligible individuals will receive a letter confirming their entitlement. But, one can expect some delays due to the high number of first-time claims for pension credit. While the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pledged to deploy more staff to speed up the process, one can contact the Department of Work and Pensions or call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if one hasn’t received payment by 29 January 2025.