A vital deadline is rapidly approaching for those who qualify for a winter fuel payment. This financial support, which ranges from £2-300, is designed to help some of the nation’s poorest households with their heating bills.
Last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced criticism for cutting this benefit, impacting around 10 million pensioners in a bid to save money. Only those receiving Pensions Credit, earning less than £11,400 annually, are eligible.
It’s estimated that about 750,000 people who could claim pension credit, worth approximately £4,200 annually, currently don’t, thus missing out on the winter fuel payment. The deadline for the £2-300 winter fuel payment to be deposited into recipients’ accounts by the Department for Work and Pensions tomorrow – Wednesday, January 29.
The DWP says: “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 29 January 2025, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre
When you contact the payment centre, you’ll need to tell them your personal details like:
- your name
- your address
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number
You can either call the helpline or send a letter by post.
Phone number is: 0800 731 0160
By post it’s
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR
To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025, you need to have been born before 23 September 1958, live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and receive one of the specified benefits. You’ll also need to have been receiving one of the following benefits during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024. In certain circumstances, you might be eligible if you live abroad.
In terms of the payments if you’re living alone you’ll get either:
- £200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944
If you live with someone
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get a payment of either:
- £200 if one or both of you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944
A legal dispute is currently underway in Scotland regarding the decision to eliminate the payment for 10 million state pensioners. The Scottish challenge was launched by pensioners Florence and Peter Fanning from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, who have enlisted the help of former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC and Govan Law Centre.
The pensioners are seeking to overturn Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to end the universal nature of the payment. A second case, backed by union Unite, represents 11 petitioners in the English courts. Both cases aim to reverse the decision. For more details on the Winter Fuel Payments click here.