While they may qualify for the vital benefit, it isn’t automatic
Winter fuel payments have been fought over for the last few months.(Image: inyourArea)
Many eligible pensioners are expected to receive up to £300 this winter as the government distributes Winter Fuel Payments to nine million people across England and Wales. Most pensioners will automatically receive this vital assistance to help keep their homes warm during the colder months.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some individuals will need to apply for the payments manually. This is despite them qualifying for the payment, which means that some who are owed money might not even know they needed to register.
The DWP has released a form for those who want to claim the payment but need to submit an application themselves. To qualify for the payments, you must have been born on or before September 21, 1959.
Services which can help with Pension Credit and other Benefits
Sources – Newcastle City Council/Newcastle Council of Elders
The amount you receive is based on your circumstances during the qualifying week, which runs from September 15 to September 21.
Most people will receive the payment automatically; however, you will need to fill out the form if any of the following apply:
you have been asked to by the DPWyou do not get any DWP benefits or a DWP pension but you have reached State Pension age and want to claim the Winter Fuel Payment
You can also claim a Winter Fuel payment by phone from October 13.
Following a government U-turn announced on June 11, nine million pensioners in England and Wales will receive the Winter Fuel Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) this winter.
This change means that eligible pensioners with an income of £35,000 or less will receive either £200 or £300 this winter. Most eligible individuals will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment without needing to apply. You do not need to apply for the payment if you receive any of the following:
State PensionPension CreditUniversal CreditAttendance AllowancePersonal Independence Payment (PIP)Carer’s AllowanceDisability Living Allowance (DLA)Income Supportincome-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)awards from the War Pensions SchemeIndustrial Injuries Disablement BenefitIncapacity BenefitIndustrial Death Benefit
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either:
changing your tax code for the 2026 to 2027 tax yearadding the amount to your 2025 to 2026 Self Assessment tax return
You can check if your income exceeds the threshold and how HMRC will recover the amount on the gov.uk website. The application form for the Winter Fuel Payment is available on the government website.
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