Most pensioners should have received up to £600 towards their energy bills by now, as the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to pay out the money to more than 11.6 million people.
Winter Fuel Payments – boosted this year by an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment – have been made to over 99% of eligible pensioners across the UK this winter, including nearly 500,000 in the North East. The rollout of this year's payments started last month. Last year, 497,374 North East pensioners received the extra money from the Winter Fuel Payment.
The full amount paid depends on your circumstances. The overwhelming majority of Winter Fuel Payments are paid automatically but some people need to make a claim, such as those who qualify but do not receive benefits or the State Pension and have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment. The DWP has said that all payments should be made by January 13.
Read more: How to work out how much your heating costs per hour
“As the cold weather bites, it is good to be able to confirm that over 99% of eligible pensioners have already received as much as £600 to help with their energy bills this winter," said Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride. "“These payments are just one part of the wider support package we are delivering to help with rising bills, with additional help to follow next year.”
The payments appear in bank statements with the payment reference beginning with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’.
What should I do if I haven't received my payment yet?
Pensioners are being asked to double check their bank statements before contacting DWP as they payments are made automatically and most people don't need to apply for them. The DWP is advising households to wait until January 13 before contacting them, but if they have not received the payment by then, to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre online or by telephone on 0800 731 0160.
I'm in one of the groups that needs to apply. How do I do this?
Visit the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment page to see if you do need to apply and how to do so. You have until March 31 2023 to apply.
Is there any more help I can get?
If you are state retirement age and on a low income, Pension Credit can top up your weekly income to £182.60 if you’re single or £278.70 if you have a partner. These payments can add an extra £3,300 to an average pensioner's annual income. You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs, such as a severe disability or if you care for another adult.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age, either by using the Government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Households receiving certain benefits – including Pension Credit – have already received cold weather payments this year in the recent cold snap. The money is paid automatically until the end of March if the temperature in your area falls to 0C or below for seven consecutive days.
Further cost of living support to be paid next year was recently announced by the Chancellor. Payments will include a further £300 for pensioner households, up to £900 for households on means-tested benefits including Pension Credit, and £150 for those on eligible disability benefits.
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