What is a Winter Fuel Payment?
A Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off, tax-free payment made during the winter to help with heating costs. It is made to households that include someone over pension age.
Most people born on or before 5 April 1954 will usually qualify for a payment in 2019/20 (the date changes every year).
Most payments are made automatically during November and December. If you apply for the first time, you should receive your payment before Christmas.
The amount you can receive each winter can vary according to your personal circumstances. Your age or other people living with you who are also eligible can affect the amount you receive.
A Winter Fuel Payment does not count as income when working out your entitlement to other benefits.
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Age rules: You will qualify for your first Winter Fuel Payment when you reach Pension Credit age
Type of benefit: Non means tested. You do not have to have paid national insurance contributions.
Taxable: No
Administered by: Department for Work and Pensions
Updated : August 2019