Benefits for people who are State Pension age

  1. Overview
  2. State Pension
  3. Pension Credit
  4. Housing Benefit
  5. Council Tax Support and reductions
  1. Attendance Allowance
  2. Winter Fuel Payment
  3. Help with health costs
  4. Funeral Expenses Payment

7. Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free lump sum payment intended to give older people reassurance they can afford to heat their homes in winter. It is paid to people who have reached State Pension age on or before the end of the qualifying week (the week beginning the third Monday of September each year). People aged between 66 to 70 would receive £200 and those over 80 would receive £300.

Following changes introduced on 29 July 2024 now only pensioners who receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits in the qualifying week (16 to 22 September 2024) will qualify for the payment.

Eligibility

In addition to meeting the age requirements, a pensioner household must be entitled to at least one of the following:

  • Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of no less than £36 in the tax year 2024/25
  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)
  • Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance
  • Income support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

For more information see Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK.

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Benefits and financial help