Winter Fuel Payment

Many of us worry about rising heating costs. Winter Fuel Payment can help ease the load.

What is Winter Fuel Payment?

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help with heating costs. Most payments are made between November and December.

How much could I get?

In the financial year April 2017 to March 2018 the payment is:

• £200 if you’re under 80
• £300 if you’re over 80.

However, you’ll usually get less if you live with other people who also qualify. 

Winter Fuel Payment can no longer be claimed for winter 2017 to 2018. 

Am I eligible to claim Winter Fuel Payment?

You may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment if you meet all the following criteria:

• you were born on or before 5 August 1953 (to be eligible for the financial year April 2017 to March 2018 – the eligibility birth date changes every financial year).
• you lived in the UK throughout the qualifying week (for the financial year 2017–2018, this is 18–24 September 2017)

You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you receive the State Pension or another benefit, such as Pension Credit (but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or Universal Credit).

If you qualify, but don’t get paid automatically, you’ll need to make a claim.

How can I claim Winter Fuel Payment?

If this is the first year you can claim, or if you’ve never claimed before, call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160. You'll need to know your National Insurance number and your bank or building society details.

You only need to claim once. After this, you should automatically receive a payment every year, as long as your circumstances don’t change.

What should I do next?

• Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.