Millions of people across the UK will benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment to help them cope with soaring energy bills during the colder months. This year it will form part of a £37 bullion government package to support struggling households.
According to Manchester Evening News, it comes as new figures estimate more than 85% of pensioner couples are expected to fall into fuel poverty this winter. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set up strict criteria on those eligible for the payout, worth up to £900.
It is higher this year as it is being combined with the Pensioner Cost of Living payment worth between £150-300.
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Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, you are automatically eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you meet one of the following:
- You were born on or before September 25, 1956
- You live in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week of September 19 to 25, 2022
If you happened to miss the September qualifying week, it is unlikely that you will receive the payment by this point. However, if you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you may still be able to receive the payment if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country
- You have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK - such as having lived or work in the UK, or have family in the UK.
How much money will I receive from the Winter Fuel Payment?
Your unique circumstances will determine how much money you receive from the Winter Fuel Payment. This payment will be made alongside any other cost of living payment, benefit, or tax credits.
According to the DWP, here's how much you will receive based on a variety of different general circumstances:
Born Between September 26, 1942, and September 25, 1956
- You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) - £500
You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies - £250
You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies - £250
You qualify and live with a partner who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £500
You qualify and live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £500
You qualify, live in a care home and do not get certain benefits - £250
Born on or before 25 September 1942
- You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) - £600
You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies - £350
You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies - £300
You qualify and live with a partner who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £600
You qualify and live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £600
You qualify, live in a care home and do not get certain benefits - £300
When will the Winter Fuel Payment be made?
According to the government, most payments will be made automatically between November and December. While all payments should have been made by January 12, 2023.
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