The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important update for anyone who has not yet received their Winter Fuel Payment.
The government agency has highlighted that the majority of payments will be made automatically so there is no need to contact them. However, if you feel that you are eligible for payment but have not received the money or a letter from the DWP by January 13 then you should make them aware that you are still waiting.
Many households have been offered the one-off payment which is intended to help pensioners with their heating costs. It was also announced earlier this year that an additional £300 would be paid alongside this to boost financial support - meaning some households could receive as much as £600, depending on their eligibility.
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How do I know if I'm eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
You may be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 26, 1956. Furthermore, you must have lived in the UK for at least one day between September 19 to 25, 2022.
However, you might still be considered eligible if you live outside the UK if you moved to an eligible country before January 1, 2021. While you may meet the previous criteria, it's important to note that you won't considered eligible if you meet one of the following:
- Have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison for the whole week from 19 to 25 September 2022
For those who lived in a care home, you could still receive a smaller Winter Fuel Payment. However, this will depend on how long you resided in the home.
If you lived in a care home for the whole time between June 27 and September 25, 2022, while also receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, ESA, then you won't get any cash.
What to do if you haven't received a Winter Fuel Payment by January 13
The DWP stresses that most eligible people should receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically. Otherwise they should have received a letter from the government agency discussing the payment.
If you feel that you're entitled to payment but haven't received the cash by January 13, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre online or by calling 0800 731 0160. The deadline for making a claim for winter is March 31, 2023.
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