The Winter Fuel Payment has been altered to include only those getting Pension Credit and some other benefits – but even those people are not guaranteed the vital support.
The Department for Work and Pensions has identified four key reasons why some pensioners might not receive the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, despite claiming benefits.
The DWP has announced significant changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme for this year.
Previously available to all households with someone at state pension age, the £300 payment will now be limited to those receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits.
To qualify, claimants must have had an active claim during the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024.
However, even those eligible for Pension Credit may find themselves excluded from the Winter Fuel Payment under specific circumstances.
There are four main reasons why pensioners might not receive the Winter Fuel Payment, even if they claim benefits
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There are four main reasons why pensioners might not receive the Winter Fuel Payment, even if they claim benefits:
- Living in Scotland
- Residing in a care home for the entire period from 24 June to 22 September 2024
- Being in hospital for free treatment for more than a year
- Being in prison for the whole qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024
These exclusions apply regardless of whether a person receives Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.
It’s crucial for pensioners to be aware of these conditions to understand their eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Pensioners in Scotland are not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. Instead, they can apply for the Winter Heating Payment (WHP), worth £58.75, paid from December 2024.
The WHP is automatically given to those claiming eligible benefits, including Pension Credit.
However, some Scottish residents may still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if they meet other conditions and live abroad in an eligible European Economic Area country or Switzerland.
Eligible countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Those residing in a care home for the entire period from June 24 to September 22, 2024 will also not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
However, if they lived in a care home for less than 13 weeks, including the qualifying week, they may still receive the payment.
Thirdly, pensioners who have been in hospital receiving free treatment for more than a year are also ineligible.
And lastly, those who were in prison for the whole qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024 will not receive the payment.
The deadline for claiming Winter Fuel Payment is fast approaching. Pensioners who haven’t yet applied for Pension Credit can still do so, as claims can be backdated by up to three months.
The final day to ensure eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment is December 21.
This allows for backdating to cover the qualifying week in September.
It’s crucial for pensioners to check their eligibility and submit claims promptly. Even if they’ve received the payment before, they may need to reapply under the new rules.
The Winter Fuel Payment is tax-free and won’t affect other benefits. Most eligible recipients will receive it automatically, but it’s always wise to verify one’s status.
