Winter Fuel Payment

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help with heating costs. Most payments are made between November and December.

How much could I get?

If you were born on or before 26 September 1955 you could get between £100 and £300 to help with your bills in the winter of 2021-2022.

However, you’ll usually get less if you live with other people who also qualify or if you live in a care home or nursing home and don't get one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support.

If you live in a care home or nursing home and receive any of these benefits then you're not entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.

Am I eligible to claim Winter Fuel Payment?

You may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2021-2022 if you meet all the following criteria:

• you were born on or before 26 September 1955 (the eligibility birth date changes every financial year).
• you lived in the UK throughout the qualifying week for the financial year of 2021–2022, which is 20–26 September 2021).

How can I claim Winter Fuel Payment?

 However, as well as the eligibility criteria above, you'll also need to:

• receive the State Pension
• receive another social security benefit (this doesn't include Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit, or a deferred State Pension).

If you're eligible and receive the necessary benefits, you will receive your Winter Fuel Payment automatically and won't have to make a claim.

If you're eligible but don't receive these benefits or live abroad, you may need to make a claim. 

To make a claim, you can call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160. You'll need your National Insurance number and your bank or building society details when making a claim.