Every winter, many older people rely on their Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating bills. This payment helps keep homes warm when temperatures drop. But this year, things are changing in a way that could affect you or someone you care about.
What’s changing?
This winter, Winter fuel payments – which help many people pay for heating during cold weather – will now only be paid to people who get pension credit. Previously, these were paid automatically to everyone of state pension age, but from this year, you’ll need to be claiming pension credit in order to receive this type of help.
Why is pension credit so important?
Pension credit is an additional benefit which only some people of state pension age can claim. It’s designed to ‘top up’ your state pension if you are on a lower income.
Claiming it doesn’t just give you winter fuel payments. It’s your ticket to many other types of help that could give your weekly budget a major boost, such as:
- Reductions in council tax
- Help with rent or your mortgage
- The Warm Homes Discount, which is an extra £150 towards your energy bills
- Reduced tariffs on mobile, broadband and utilities
Many people don’t realise they could be getting extra help worth an average of £3,900 a year, plus other benefits that could save thousands more.
The upcoming application deadline
If you’re not already getting pension credit, there’s an important deadline coming up. To get this winter’s winter fuel payment, you need to apply for pension credit by 21st December. It can take 6-8 weeks for applications to be processed, so it’s best to look into this soon.
Even if you miss the deadline though, it’s still well worth applying. This will make sure you get Winter Fuel Payments next year, as well as extra money throughout the coming year.
Already getting pension credit?
Good news – you don’t need to do anything at all. Your winter fuel payment will continue as normal.
How much could I get?
- If you’re single: At least £218 per week
- If you’re a couple: At least £333 per week
These amounts will increase next April. You might get more if you have a disability, care for someone, look after children, or have housing costs.
How to apply for pension credit
The easiest way to apply is by phone. Just call 0800 99 1234 between 8am and 6pm on weekdays. Someone will guide you through the process and fill in all the forms while you talk.
If you prefer to apply online, you can visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
What else do I need to know?
Many people think they can’t get pension credit because they own their home or have some savings. This is not correct. You can get pension credit even if you own your home. You can also have up to £10,000 in savings and still get the full amount, so it’s worth checking.
If you want an initial idea of whether or not you could claim, you could use the new Better Off calculator on our website to check if you’re likely to be eligible, and to see what other benefits or help you might be eligible for.
Important information about timing
While 21 December is the deadline for this winter’s fuel payment, you can apply for pension credit at any time. Even if you miss the deadline, you’ll be ready for next winter’s fuel payment and can start getting all the other help that pension credit gives you as soon as your claim is approved.
Help is available when you decide to look into this. You can apply by phone or online, and there are people who can support you. Many people find it helpful to have a friend or family member with them when they apply, or you can get free help from your local Citizens Advice or Age UK‘s advice line on 0800 678 1602.
