Winter fuel payment deadline warning – what pensioners need to know
Pensioners have just a few days to ensure they get their winter fuel payment for 2024, with the 21 December deadline to apply fast approaching.
The deadline is the last day anyone over pension age (66+) can apply for pension credit and still unlock the cold weather lump sum payment for 2024.
However, there is an average 65-day waiting time for applications, so those successful will not likely get their payments until 2025 - although it will be backdated.
Pensioners have already started receiving winter fuel payments for the year, with those successfully claiming pension credit receiving £200-300 in their bank accounts from 25 November.
In previous years, all pensioners would receive the payment every winter to help towards cold weather heating costs. Now, it will only be paid to pensioners who are claiming pension credit.
The move has been criticised by campaigners for older people and money experts, including Martin Lewis. They say the threshold is too low and rigid, meaning around two million vulnerable pensioners are at risk of losing out on the payment.
Labour has defended the move, with the chancellor saying it was not a decision she wanted to make but that it would help shore up the government’s finances.
The key change is that pensioners (aged 66 and over) must now be eligible for – and claiming – pension credit to receive the winter fuel payment. There are several criteria that must be met for this – here’s what you need to know:
How to receive the winter fuel payment
To receive the winter fuel payment for 2024, people must successfully apply for pension credit by 21 December. This is a benefit for pensioners whose weekly income is below a certain amount. It will top up this income to:
£218.15 a week if you’re single
£332.95 jointly a week if you have a partner
This means that anyone in receipt of the full rate of new State Pension (£221.20 a week) is likely ineligible. They will also generally be ineligible if income is just a few pounds higher than the qualifying thresholds.
However, they may still be eligible with a higher income if having a disability, they care for someone, or have high housing costs.
Having savings and investments under £10,000 also does not rule people out.
Alongside the winter fuel payment, claiming pension credit can unlock housing benefit, support with mortgages, a free TV licence and help with NHS dental appointments. This can add up to thousands of pounds in additional support.
While there is no deadline to apply for pension credit (applications are always open), 21 December is the latest you can apply to receive the 2024 winter fuel payment and have it backdated.
To find out more details about pension credit and apply, visit the DWP’s website.