Around 12 million people all across the UK are set to receive the Winter Fuel Payment to help cope with rising energy bills during the winter period.
This year's payments will be part of a £37 billion support package from the government and will target some of the country's most struggling households. A shockingly large portion of pensioner couples (86.4 per cent) are expected to fall into fuel poverty this winter, making them more dependent on financial support.
Despite this, the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) has set up strict criteria for who will be eligible for the potential £900 payout. The Winter Fuel Payment is being driven up this year as the DWP combines it with the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment which equates to £150-£300.
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
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You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies - £250
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You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies - £250
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You qualify and live with a partner who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £500
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You qualify and live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies, and either of you gets certain benefits - £500
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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
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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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