The four errors that can stop you getting £300 winter fuel payment as 880,000 miss out – how to avoid them
10/02/2024 12:51 PM
MILLIONS of households are still set to get the £300 Winter Fuel Payments this year.
However, there are four simple errors that those on state pension could make which would mean missing out on the cash even when eligible.
The winter fuel payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help with the cost of heating through the colder months.
Last year the payments were worth between £300 and £600, depending on circumstances.
This was because the amount included a “Pensioner Cost of Living Payment” – between £150 and £300.
However, this year, it will be worth £200 for eligible households or £300 for those with someone aged over 80.
That means you could receive up to £300 in free cash depending on your circumstances.
But the rules have changed this year and around nine million pensioners will no longer get the cash.
The benefit used to go to all people over state pension age regardless of circumstances.
Now just those on low incomes and claiming certain benefits like pension credit will get the cash.
Around 880,000 people are eligible for pension credit and not claiming though. meaning they will miss out on the extra cash.
There are four further reasons you could miss out on the payment too.
Figures for last year show that 110,000 Brits saw their payments cut.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said that the vast majority of winter fuel payment underpayments last year resulted from claimant’s failing to notify the department about a change of address.
Like with other certain benefits you’ll often be required to report a change in circumstances to ensure that you’re paid the correct amount each winter.
One of the slip-ups that people have made in the past is failing to let the Department for Work and Pensions know about a change of address.
If you forget to do this, you could see the amount of winter fuel payments your due drop.
The second stumbling block to watch out for is if you or someone else eligible for the winter fuel payment moves in or out of your house.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Consumer reporter Sam Walker explains all you need to know about the payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months.
Most who are eligible receive the payment automatically.
Those who qualify are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year.
If you do meet the criteria but don’t automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment, you will have to apply on the government’s website.
You’ll qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if:
- you were born on or before September 23, 1958
- you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 16 to 22, 2024, known as the “qualifying week”
- you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply:
- you live in Switzerland or a EEA country
- you have a “genuine and sufficient” link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK
But there are exclusions – you can't get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain.
This is because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK.
You will also not qualify if you:
- are in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you can not claim public funds
- were in prison for the whole “qualifying week”
- lived in a care home for the whole time between 26 June to 24 September 2023, and got Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Payments are usually made between November and December, with some made up until the end of January the following year.
Again, it’s important to let the DWP know about these comings or goings.
The third thing to keep in mind is if you or someone else eligible for the extra cash moves into a care home.
This move will mean that you or the person moving out will no longer receive the money.
Lastly, it’s vital to let the DWP know if someone entitled to the payment has passed away.
What to do if you’ve been underpaid the winter fuel payment
Most payments are made automatically in November or December.
You’ll get a letter telling you how much you’re entitled to and which bank account it will be paid into.
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025 and you think you’re eligible you must contact the winter fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
You’ll also need to report a change in circumstances to ensure you’re not overpaid too.
Fail to do this and the DWP could force you to repay the money you owe.
Crucial to claim Pension Credit if you can
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
The Sun’s Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it’s imperative to apply for the benefit..
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you're single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don’t claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment – worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit – it’s more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It’s not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You'll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
To avoid being overpaid, you should report if you will not be living at home during the Winter months but will be in hospital getting free in-patient treatment or in custody serving a court sentence.
The deadline to claim for this winter is March 31, 2025.
Contact the winter fuel payment Centre by calling 0800 731 0160 to report a change in circumstances.
Make sure you have your National Insurance number to hand.
A DWP spokesperson previously said about last year’s figures: “Where errors do occur, we are committed to fixing them as quickly as possible and this equates to just 1.1% of all winter fuel payment expenditure.
“Anyone with a change of circumstances should inform the DWP to ensure they get the right amount of money they are entitled to, while those eligible for this year’s payment have until the end of March to claim it.”
