Winter Fuel Payments
Winter Fuel Payments
What is it?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free payment to people over pension credit age. For winter 2017 to 2018, this covers people born on or before 5 August 1953. This date changes every year as female state pension age rises. Despite the name the Winter Fuel Payment is not linked to expenditure on fuel.
How much will I get?
How much you get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2017 to 2018 is 18 to 24 September 2017.
| Circumstance | Born on or before 5 August 1953 | Aged 80 or over in the qualifying week |
|---|---|---|
| You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £200 | £300 |
| You qualify and get one of the benefits listed** | £200 | £300 |
| You live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £100 | £200 |
| You live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £100 | £150 |
| You qualify and live with your partner or civil partner and they get one of the benefits listed** | Nil*** | Nil*** |
| You qualify but live in a care home and don’t get one of the benefits listed** | £100 | £150 |
** Benefits: Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
*** Your partner getting the benefit will get the Winter Fuel Payment on your behalf
Can I get it?
In 2017/18 Winter Fuel Payments will be made to individuals born on or before 5 August 1953 (or couples where one person was born on or before this date).
As well as being over pension credit age you must normally live in the UK throughout the week of 18 to 24 September 2017.
You can not get a Winter Fuel Payment if you are in hospital for more than 52 weeks or living in a care home and have been doing so for more than 12 weeks.
The Winter Fuel Payment is not means tested and you can get it if you’re still working or claiming a benefit.
Winter Fuel Payments are affected by the increase in retirement age for women, which is going up gradually from 60 to 65. For more information see changes to state pension age.
The qualifying date for the 80+ Winter Fuel Payment amount is that you have reached the age of 80 on the third Monday in September.
How do I claim?
You have received a Winter Fuel Payment before
If you have previously received a Winter Fuel Payment and there has been no change to your circumstances, you don’t need to reapply. You should automatically get your payment this year.
You have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before
To apply you can complete a claim form. Claims must be made by 31 March 2018.
To claim call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 03459 15 15 15.
