There are two specific groups of State Pensioners who need to claim the annual heating bill help. Two groups of State Pensioners will be able to make a postal claim for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment , which is worth between £100 and £300, from Monday, September 30. How much someone receives depends on their age and household circumstances, but it’s worth noting that the £300 will only be paid to those born before September 23, 1944.
It’s also important to be aware that the recent eligibility change implemented by the new Labour Government means that in addition to being over 66, people must also be in receipt of a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit or Tax Credits, on any day of this week to qualify for the payment. People over State Pension age who wee in receipt of an income-related benefit during the qualifying week of September 16-22 will receive the payment automatically - the money is tax-free and will not affect other benefits. Letters will be sent to eligible pensioner households in mid-October telling them how much Winter Fuel Payment they will receive.
Updated guidance on GOV.UK also advises that people can make a postal claim fro this year's payment from today - September 30. Claims can be made over the phone from October 28.
The closing date for Winter Fuel Payment 2024/25 claims is March 31, 2025. It's important to be aware that new claims made before December 21, 2024 which later turn out to be successful, will also be entitled to a backdated.