The date all Winter Fuel Payments should be paid by in NI - and what to do if yours is missing

Jane Corscadden
·2-min read
Snowy scenes at Cavehill Country Park on Wednesday morning
-Credit: (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)


As the weather gets colder, many of us may be reaching for the heating more often, but rising costs mean this isn't possible for some.

The Winter Fuel Payment is designed to help older people with paying heating bills during the winter months, with those eligible able to receive either £200 or £300.

Earlier this year, the UK Government announced the previously universal benefit would now be means tested, with only those born before 23 September 1958 and claiming certain benefits now eligible to receive it.

Read more: NI pensioners to receive £100 payment after winter fuel cuts

Read more: NI Cold Weather Payment eligibility explained as snow warning issued

In Northern Ireland, the communities minister announced this week he would be introducing a one-off payment of £100 for the 249,000 people here now missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment due to the changes. However, this may not be paid out until March 2025.

Who is still eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment?

You can get a Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2024 to 2025 if you were born before 23 September 1958. You must also live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and get one of the following:

  • Pension Credit

  • Universal Credit

  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Income Support

  • Child Tax Credit

  • Working Tax Credit

You’ll also need to have been getting a benefit during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024. If you qualify, you will get the payment automatically and do not need to claim for it.

When is the Winter Fuel Payment paid out in Northern Ireland?

Most payments are made automatically in November or December.

You’ll get a letter telling you:

  • how much you’ll get

  • which bank account it will be paid into - this is usually the same account as your Pension Credit or other benefits

What to do if you're due to receive the payment - but don't get it in this time?

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.

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