As the cost of living crisis continues to surge while the colder weather rolls in, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have given new advice on who is eligible for the extra addition to their Winter Fuel Payment in 2022.
Approximately eight million households owned by pensioners in the UK are set to receive this one-off payment, which will be added to their Winter Fuel Payment due to be paid over November and December. The Daily Record reports that those eligible for the extra financial support will need to have met certain conditions last month.
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To be eligible, you must have been 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 week is known as the 'qualifying week' for the payment.
Those who do not meet the criteria, or who live abroad, might need to make a claim to get this payment. Those who have received a Winter Fuel Payment in the past won't need to reclaim unless they have deferred their State Pension, or moved abroad.
Guidance from the DWP states that payments are set to be made automatically in November or December. The money should drop in accounts by January 13, 2023, at the very latest.
The DWP has also clarified the payment amounts for several household scenarios including where someone lives on their own, with a partner over or under 80, or whether wither of them receive other benefits. This includes:
Pension Credit
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
income-related Employment
Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
The Winter Fuel Payment, including the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for other benefits. The full payment for 2022 will depend on your circumstances.
The DWP has updated their guidance to include the £300 payment, and has also clarified who will receive the money - and how much they will receive. Check out their website here for more details.
Elderly people over the State Pension age could also be eligible for the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment, which has been paid to almost six million claimants in the UK. If you think you are eligible but have not yet received a payment, you can report it missing on the GOV.UK website here.
The Disability Cost of Living Payments will continue to be paid by the DWP until "early October". Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to claim by phone on 0800 731 0160 - lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.
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