The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in February this year there were 12.5 million people across the UK receiving State Pension payments, a contributory benefit which provides essential financial support every four weeks for those who have paid at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance Contributions.
This regular payment of up to £185.15 per week for the full, nNew State Pension or £141.85 per week for the Basic State Pension (Category A or B) can be claimed by people who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which increased to 66 for both men and women in October 2020. However, many older people may not be aware of the additional support coming their way this winter to help with soaring energy bills and ever-increasing inflation.
In total, older people could be due £974 cash help towards the cost of living plus the £150 Warm Home Discount, although this is paid directly to energy suppliers and deducted from electricity bills. Below is a list of payments on the way this winter.
Winter support for people of State Pension age
Second cost of living payment - £324
Older people in receipt of Pension Credit will be eligible for the second cost of living payment of £324 which is being paid out now until November 23.
DWP has made 6.4million payments to eligible households between November 8 and 11. There are no weekend payments, so these will start landing in bank accounts again from Monday, November 14.
For someone over 66 to qualify, they must have been entitled to a payment of Pension Credit on or before the qualifying date of September 25, 2022. However, the DWP recently confirmed that new claims received before December 18, which later turn out to be successful, will receive the payment.
This is because Pension Credit is a retrospective benefit, which means it can be backdated by three months. Even if someone is only awarded one penny they will qualify for the £324 payment.
DWP explained: “People do not have to do anything extra to backdate their claim. If they make their application online, they will automatically be asked about backdating, and if they make their application over the phone the adviser will talk them through this.”
Find out more about Pension Credit here.
Winter Fuel Payment - up to £600
This year, a one-off pensioner cost of living payment (worth between £150 and £300) is being added to the annual Winter Fuel Payments, which are worth up to £300 depending on your household circumstances.
In total, these combined payments are worth up to £600 in heating bill help and will start to land in bank accounts from mid-November. The DWP has said that these should arrive no later than January 13, 2023.
It is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for other benefits. The money is paid per household.
To be eligible for this year's Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born on or before September 25, 1956 and lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 19 to 25 September 2022 - this is called the ‘qualifying week’.
We have a full list of how much to expect depending on your circumstances here.
You can find more information about the Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK here.
Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only) - £50
The £50 Winter Heating Payment will replace Cold Weather Payments in Scotland and is a one-off lump sum due to be paid in February, 2023 to help with energy bills.
Households on these benefits will qualify for the payment:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Find out more about Winter Heating Payment here.
Other support paid directly to your supplier
Warm Home Discount - £150
The scheme officially opens across the UK on November 14, but people in Scotland may have to make a claim for it this year due to a change in the eligibility rules - full details can be found here.
If you live in Scotland, you qualify if you either:
- get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - known as the ‘core group’
- are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’
The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill made directly to your supplier, between October 2022 and March 2023.
You can find more details on the scheme on GOV.UK here.
£400 energy bills rebate
The £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme started in October and provides households with a monthly discount of £66 (£67 from December) off their electricity bill until March, 2023.
You do not need to apply for this, the discount is automatic - find out more here.
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