News
August 2005
Claim now for Winter Fuel Payments
Minister for Pensions Reform, Stephen Timms, is urging older people to plan early to make sure they keep warm this winter.
Those who have not previously received a Winter Fuel Payment should apply for help to heat their homes this winter. New applications received by 23 September will get their £200 payment in time for Christmas.
Stephen Timms said:
“This winter about eight million households will benefit from
the £200 Winter Fuel Payment. Around two million people in those
households with someone aged 80 and over will receive an extra payment
of up to £100, receiving a total Winter Fuel Payment of £300.
Paid alongside the Winter Fuel Payment this year, many households with someone aged 65 or over could also receive the Age-Related Payment of £200 to help with council tax bills. These are all non means-tested, tax-free lump sum payments.”
People will not need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if they have received it previously, or are already claiming State Pension or another social security benefit (other than Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit).
Those who haven’t received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or who are not in receipt of a relevant social security benefit in the qualifying week will need to make a claim. The deadline for all claims is 30 March 2006.
Find out more about Winter Fuel Payments and Age-Related Payments