As the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week began yesterday (September 19), many people are wondering who is eligible, and when it would be paid into their accounts.
The financial boost is designed to help support the older generation with the cost of heating their home during the colder months. As reported by Kent Live, the cost of living crisis is growing worse for many households across the UK, and Prime Minister Liz Truss has just announced a price freeze on the energy cap.
The Winter Fuel Payment is made available to those born on or before September 25, 1956. Eligibility criteria notes that the individual must have lived in the UK for at least one day during what is known as the "qualifying week".
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In 2022, the older person could get between £250 and £600 to help pay their heating bills, confirmed by the UK Government. The amount an individual will get also includes a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.
This payment will be between £150 and £300, and will only be provided in 2022. Most payments will be issued to those eligible in November and December.
Assessments for the payment will also take place automatically by the Government. Their website states: "You should be paid by January 13, 2023.”
Pensioners are encouraged to check their account in November and December to make sure they have received their Winter Fuel Payment. However, those who haven't received their payment are urged to get in contact with the Government to ensure they are given the right financial support.
Eligible people must have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 19 to 25, 2022 in order to qualify. The following must also apply:
- The person lives in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland
- The person has a genuine and sufficient link to the UK - including having lived or worked there, or having family there.
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