DWP £370 Payment Set for Next Month, As winter sets in and the cost of energy continues to rise, many households struggle to stay warm. To alleviate this burden, the UK government offers the Winter Fuel Payment, a financial support initiative that helps eligible individuals cover their heating expenses during the colder months. This tax-free benefit aims to reduce the strain of higher energy prices, especially for vulnerable groups such as State Pensioners.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a series of one-off payments of up to £367 for State Pensioners in the UK. These payments will begin arriving in accounts from November, with most recipients expected to receive them by Christmas.
Who is Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, individuals must meet certain criteria. The eligibility requirements include:
Age Criteria
You must have been born on or before a specific date to qualify. For the winter of 2024-2025, that date is 25 September 1958.
Residency Criteria
You must have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week. For the winter of 2024-2025, the qualifying week runs from 16-22 September 2024. If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you may still be eligible if you reside in Switzerland or an EEA country and have a strong link to the UK (e.g., you have lived or worked in the UK or have close family ties there).
Exceptions to Eligibility
Certain individuals are not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, including those who:
- Are receiving free hospital treatment for more than 52 weeks during the qualifying week.
- Require permission to enter the UK and have conditions attached to their leave that prevent them from claiming public funds.
- Were incarcerated for the entire qualifying week.
- Lived in a care home for the period between 24 June and 15 September 2024 and received specific benefits like Pension Credit, Income Support, or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount of the Winter Fuel Payment varies based on age, living arrangements, and whether you qualify for certain benefits. Here’s a breakdown for the winter season of 2024-2025:
For Individuals Born on or Before 25 September 1958
- £250 if you live alone or with someone who does not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
- £250 if you live with someone under 80 who also qualifies.
- £250 if you reside in a care home but do not receive certain benefits.
- £500 if you live with someone who is 80 or older who qualifies.
- £500 if you live with a partner who qualifies and one of you receives specific benefits.
- £500 if you live with someone (who isn’t your partner) who qualifies and one of you gets certain benefits.
For Individuals Born Before 25 September 1944
- £300 if you live alone or with someone who does not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
- £300 if you live with someone under 80 who also qualifies.
- £300 if you reside in a care home and do not receive specific benefits.
- £600 if you live with someone who is 80 or older who qualifies.
- £600 if you live with a partner who qualifies and one of you gets certain benefits.
- £600 if you live with someone (not your partner) who qualifies and one of you gets specific benefits.
Payment Dates and When to Expect It
The Winter Fuel Payment is typically paid between November and December, with most recipients receiving their payment by Christmas. If you have not received your payment by the end of December, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre for assistance.
How to Apply for the Winter Fuel Payment
For most people, the Winter Fuel Payment is automatically paid if they are eligible and receiving the State Pension or another qualifying social security benefit (excluding Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit). However, if you do not receive an automatic payment, you will need to submit a claim.
Claiming by Post
To claim by post:
- Download and print the Winter Fuel Payment claim form for UK residents.
- Complete the form with accurate details.
- Attach any necessary supporting documents.
- Send the form to:
- Winter Fuel Payment Centre
- Mail Handling Site A
- Wolverhampton
- WV98 1LR
Claiming by Phone
You can also claim by phone:
- Call: 0800 731 0160
- Textphone: Contact Relay UK on 18001, then dial 0800 731 0160
- For British Sign Language (BSL) users, a video relay service is available.
Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Before you call, make sure to have the following information ready:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society account details
- Your marriage or civil partnership date (if applicable)
The Winter Fuel Payment is an essential support measure, especially as energy costs rise during the colder months. If you’re eligible, make sure to apply in time to benefit from this valuable assistance.
