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 next month. 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 of the recent eligibility change, recently announced by the new Labour Government, which means that in addition to being over 66, people must also be in receipt of a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit , to qualify for the payment. People over State Pension age in receipt of an income-related benefit during the qualifying week of September 16-22, 2024 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 October or November telling them how much Winter Fuel Payment they will receive.
However, updated guidance on GOV.UK for this year’s payment also advises that some people need to make a new claim by March 31, 2025 to receive the lump sum. It states that if do not get any of the qualifying means-tested benefits, you need to claim if either of the following apply: You can claim the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment by: If you get Universal Credit, you will be told how to claim through a message in your journal.
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