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Winter Fuel Payments

 

Index

You can read through this information sheet, or go directly to the sections you want to read by clicking on these links:

• Who does it help?
• What help does it provide?
• How much does it pay?
• How do I make a claim?
• What documents will I need?
• Challenging decisions

Who does it help?

A Winter Fuel payment is a one-off, tax-free payment made during the winter. It has usually been paid to people aged over 60.  You do not have to have paid national insurance contributions.

You used to get your first Winter Fuel Payment at the age of 60 but this has changed.

If you are applying for a Winter Fuel Payment for the first time, you now qualify when you reach state pension age.

If you are a woman, the state pension age is the age at which you can get your pension. If you are a man, the state pension age is the state pension age of a woman born on the same day as you.

You can work out the exact date of your state pension age by using the state pension age calculator (link opens in a new window) on the Government's Directgov website.

If you have already received a Winter Fuel Payment in a previous year, you won't be affected by the age changes.

If you meet the qualifying age, but you live in a care home you get a reduced payment.  But if you live a care home and get Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, you do not qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment at all.

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What help does it provide?

The money is meant to help with fuel costs but it is up to you how you spend it. The money is normally paid from November and most payments are made by Christmas.

If you are already getting benefits, your Winter Fuel Payment will be paid in the same way, that is, directly into your bank or building society. Or you will be sent a cheque which you can cash at a post office.

If you must claim your Winter Fuel Payment (see how to claim below), you can choose how it is paid.

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How much does it pay?

The amount you receive depends on your age in the qualifying week (17-23 September 2012):

• If you are aged between Pension Credit age and 79 you will receive £200
• If you are 80 or over you will receive £300

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How do I make a claim?

Most people do not need to make a claim for a Winter Fuel Payment. You are usually paid automatically if you are getting other benefits like State Retirement Pension. You will also be paid automatically if you got a payment last winter and your circumstances have not changed.

If you are not getting other benefits and you did not get a payment last winter, you must make a claim.

For the winter of 2012/2013, you should put in your claim between August 2012 and 31 March 2013.

You can get a claim form and more information by calling the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on: 08459 151 515.

Or you can download a copy of the Winter Fuel Payment claim form (link opens in a new window) from the Directgov website.

In Northern Ireland

You can download a copy of the claim form for Northern Ireland (link opens in a new window) from the NI Direct website. 

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What documents will I need?

You need to give your national insurance number and send in your birth certificate.

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Challenging a decision

If you disagree with the decision made on your claim you can ask for it to be looked at again, and/or appeal.

The time limits are strict, you will usually be given one month to dispute a decision, so it is important to seek advice and act quickly.

See the Department for Work and Pensions Guide to the Social Fund (link opens in a new window) for more information.

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This information has been produced by Citizens Advice. 

Last updated: 17 April 2012