Are you eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
Millions of pensioners will receive a winter fuel payment to help towards higher heating bills - here's what you need to know about how and when it will be paid, who is eligible and what to do if you don't get paid.
The winter fuel payment is aimed at helping pensioners pay for higher fuel bills during the colder months.
About 11.5 million pensioners will receive up to £600 , including a £300 per household pensioner cost of living payment.
Here is everything you need to know about when and how the payment will be made, who is eligible, and what to do if you still need to receive your payment.
Who is eligible for the winter fuel payment?
You can get a winter fuel payment if you were born before 25 September 1957.
You usually need to live in the UK to qualify for the payment.
If you live abroad in an eligible country, you may be entitled to a payment. This depends on your circumstances.
How much you get
A Winter Fuel Payment is either £200 or £300 per household. You will get a higher amount if you are 80 or over.
Households will also get an additional Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of £300
About your payment
You will get a letter in October or November explaining the total amount and how it will be paid.
When is it paid?
Payments will be made from November 2023 to January 2024. Most people will not have to make a claim.
You only need to claim if you have never had Winter Fuel Payment, do not get a State Pension or specific benefits, or just moved abroad.
Please submit your claim by 31 March 2024.
If you do not get a letter or an automatic payment by 26 January 2024, please get in touch with the Department for Work & Pensions after this date.
For more information, go to gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment .