DWP issue update on who can claim £300 Winter Fuel Payment

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened applications for this year's £300 Winter Fuel Payment, available to thousands of people across Britain. From Monday, September 30, eligible pensioners residing abroad can apply for the financial boost via post.

This update is pertinent to those who qualify for the cash but reside outside the UK. According to DWP regulations, eligibility for the money extends to individuals living in certain countries.

However, under the revised rules, eligibility is only granted if you are a recipient of Pension Credit, a benefit equivalent to Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit in your country of residence. Earlier this year, the new Labour Government introduced means-testing for the DWP benefit.

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This implies that only claimants of specific benefits will receive the benefit, as opposed to all pensioners over 66 years old receiving between £100 and £300. If you are not a UK resident, you are only eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you claim a benefit equivalent to Pension Credit and:, reports Birmingham Live.

Postal applications commenced today. Even if you have received the money in the past, you will need to apply to claim the benefit this year.

To make a postal claim, download and complete the Winter Fuel Payment claim form and the IPCF091 form if you're a UK national or dual national residing in an eligible country other than Ireland. You'll also need to provide proof of the means-tested benefit you're receiving from your resident country, which can be included in the Winter Fuel Payment additional information form.

The address for sending your claim can be found on the government's Winter Fuel Payment page here.

Here is the complete list of countries where you can claim Winter Fuel Payment from:

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 Switzerland