Published date:
JRHT is aware that many residents over state pension age, will be concerned about changes to the eligibility criteria for the winter fuel payment this year. In particular, as energy prices are expected to increase this Autumn.
For winter 2024 to 2025, to be eligible for the annual £200 to £300 winter fuel payment you need to be born before 23 September 1958 and in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
This is a significant change to previous years, when the winter fuel payment was paid to everyone over state pension age.
If you do meet the age and benefit requirements for the winter fuel payment, for winter 2024 to 2025, the money should be paid automatically into your bank account between November and December 2024. If you do not receive a payment by 29 January 2025, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Due to the role out of Universal Credit, new claims for the following claims are no longer possible:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Unless you have a partner under State Pension age, a new claim for Universal Credit would also not be possible. However, our Money & Benefits Advice team has come across many residents who are eligible for Pension Credit but have not previously claimed. This is echoed across the county with the Government confirming that as many as 880,000 pensioners are missing out on unclaimed Pension Credit.
Consequently, the Government is actively encouraging families, friends and neighbours to reach out to retired people, encouraging them to check their eligibility for Pension Credit and apply.
A successful claim could provide you with extra regular income and also make you eligible for Winter Fuel Payment. However, please note that to be eligible for the Winter 2024 to 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, a successful Pension Credit claim would have to be made by (or backdated to) 21 December 2024.
Obtaining Pension Credit could also potentially result in or increase other benefit entitlements such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
More information on Pension Credit and details of how to claim can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
We can help – free money and benefits service for residents
Our Money & Benefits advisors can help you check your eligibility for Pension Credit.
The free confidential and impartial Money & Benefits Advice service can also assist with benefit claims and identifying other forms of support that may be available.
To speak to an adviser or book and appointment please contact JRHT’s Money & Benefit Advice service on 0800 5870211 or at mba@jrht.org.uk.