How much are Winter Fuel Payments and am I eligible?
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The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax free government energy grant that’s paid out to eligible households once a year. It’s designed to help people of State Pension age manage the cost of heating their homes during the winter months. The exact amount you’ll receive will depend on your age and circumstances, but it could be as much as £300 per year. However, if you receive certain means-tested benefits, or live in a care home, you may not receive the full payment or be eligible for the payment at all. In this article, we will take a look to see if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, and to ensure you get all of the benefits you’re entitled to.
Last update: November 2022
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Who is eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is specifically designed for people of State Pension age. This means you’ll need to be aged at least 65 in order to qualify. At the moment anyone born on or before 5 October 1954 should be eligible for the payment.
If you already claim the State Pension, or if you get another social security benefit (apart from Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit), you should receive the payment automatically. If you do receive one of these benefits, you’ll need to apply for the payment to see if you’re eligible.
What date is the fuel allowance paid?
In 2020, as every year, the Winter Fuel Payment was generally paid in November and December. Households that receive the payment automatically should receive their money in the early winter.
Those that have to apply for the benefit may not get their payment until a little later on in the year. However, all Winter Fuel Payments should have been made by 31st March 2021.
Do both husband and wife get the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you and your partner are both of State Pension age, you’ll both qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. However, you won’t receive the full amount. Instead, you’ll each receive half of what you would be eligible for if you were single.
See the table below to find out exactly how much Winter Fuel Payment you’d get.
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How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you’re aged between 65 and 80 – so if you were born between the 21st September 1940 and the 5th October 1954 – you’re eligible for a maximum of £200 per year.
If you’re aged over 80, you could receive as much as £300 per year.
Winter Fuel Payment rates
The table below shows Winter Fuel Payment rates for 2020/21.
| Circumstances | Born between the 21st September 1940 and the 5th October 1954 | Born on or before the 20th September 1940 |
|---|---|---|
| You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £200 | £300 |
| You qualify, get one of the benefits listed* and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £200 | £300 |
| You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £100 | £200 |
| You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £100 | £150 |
| You qualify and live with someone who also get one of the benefits listed* | £200 – only one of you will get the payment | £300 – only one of you will get the payment |
| You qualify, and live in a care home or independent hospital and don’t get any of the benefits listed* | £100 | £150 |
| You qualify, live in a care home and get one of the benefits listed* | Nil | Nil |
*Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support.
How do I claim my winter fuel payment?
If you haven’t got a Winter Fuel Payment before, you only need to make a claim if any of the following apply:
- You do not get benefits or a State Pension
- You only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit
- You get benefits or a State Pension but live in Switzerland or an EEA country
If none of the above apply, and you already receive the State Pension, you will receive the payment automatically.
You can make a claim online via the Gov.uk website.
In order to claim, you’ll need to know:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society details
- Your BIC and IBAN numbers if you live in the EEA or Switzerland
- The date you were married or entered into a civil partnership (if appropriate)
Who do I contact about Winter Fuel Payments?
If you’d like to know more about Winter Fuel Payments, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Would you like to know more about government energy grants? Great! Check out these related articles.
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FAQ
At what age do you get Winter Fuel Payment in England?
The Winter Fuel Payment is given to UK residents of State Pension age. That means you’ll become eligible at 65 at the earliest.
Am I eligible to claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you’re aged 65 or over, you may well be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. If you haven’t received your payment automatically, you may need to make a claim. Get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 to find out more.
How much is the winter fuel payment for over 60s?
If you’re aged between 65 and 80, you could receive up to £200 per year. If you’re 80 or over, you could get as much as £300 per year.
How can I claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you already receive the State Pension, you should get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. If you haven’t received the money, you may need to make a claim. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre for more information.
Updated on 11 Nov, 2022
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