The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an updated about its £300 Cost of Living and Winter Fuel payments - the government support designed to help eligible brits with the cost of heating their homes this winter.
These payments are part of an overall package worth £3.6 billion, and mean that if you were born before September 26, 1956, you could be in line for between £250 and £600 as a winter fuel payment. This amount includes the 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment' which stands at between £150 and £300. The additional amount is only for winter 2022 to 2023.
On Tuesday, December 20, the DWP confirmed that, so far, 11.6 million payments have now been made to pensioners across the UK. Mel Stride, Work and Pensions Secretary, said: "As the cold weather bites, it is good to be able to confirm that over 99 percent of eligible pensioners have already received as much as £600 to help with their energy bills this winter. 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 – including the biggest State Pension increase in history.”
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While most of the payments, worth up to £600 per household, have landed in bank accounts automatically, if you haven't received yours yet, don't panic, the payments are still being made until January. That said, the DWP has advised people to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre online or by phone if they have not received their payment by January 13, 2023.
Some people might need to make a claim for their Winter Fuel Payment, according to a report in Manchester Evening News. Those required to claim include anyone who qualifies but does not receive the benefits of the State pension. Those who need to make a claim have until March 31, 2023. It this applies to you, check the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment page for further information and details of how to claim.
The DWP says customers should look out for the reference ‘DWP WFP’ on bank statements. This may be preceded by your National Insurance number. Older people are being asked to double check their bank statements for this reference number before contacting DWP.
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 and £150 for those on eligible disability benefits.
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