As the cost of living continues to rise, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have announced updated guidance for millions of pensioners.
On top of their Winter Fuel Payment, claimants will also receive an extra one-off £300.
This comes as Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced extra financial support would be given to everyone, starting with £400 and then additional top ups given to those who need it it most.
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Sunak acknowledged that pensioners are disproportionately impacted by higher energy costs, and many do not claim the means-tested benefits they are entitled to, as the Daily Record reports.
In order to help older people manage their energy bills this winter, more than eight million households who get the Winter Fuel Payment will receive an extra £300 from November 2022.
While the Winter Fuel Payment, including the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for other benefits, what you will receive for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances.
People will be eligible for this payment if they are over State Pension age (aged 66 or above) between 19 - 25 September 2022.
DWP has shared the new payment details, which includes the £300 payment and we have listed them below.
Winter Fuel Payment rates 2022/23
Amounts shown in all examples are the total payments.
You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify)
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £500
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £600
You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £250
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £350
You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £250
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £300
You qualify and live with someone who gets certain benefits
Benefits - Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support.
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £500 - only one of you will get the payment
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £600 - only one of you will get the payment
You qualify, live in a care home and do not get certain benefits
Benefits - Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support
- Born between September 25, 1942 and September 25, 1956: £250
- Born on or before September 25, 1942: £300
There are certain circumstances where an individual above State Pension age does not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment which can be found on GOV.UK, here.
