How do I get it?
I got a Winter Fuel Payment last year. What do I need to do?
If you got a Winter Fuel Payment last winter, you should have automatically got one this winter as long as your circumstances have not changed
If your circumstances have changed, you must tell us about the change as soon as possible. You can ring the office that pays your benefit or contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline or download a claim form
If you were getting a State Pension or other social security benefit last year (not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit), but you were not getting one in the week of 15 to 21 September 2008, you will need to make a claim for this winter’s payment.
You can get a claim form by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline or by downloading a claim form
I did not get a Winter Fuel Payment last year. What do I need to do?
You should get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically if, during the week of 15 to 21 September 2008, you are aged 60 or over and are getting a State Pension or other social security benefit (but not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit).You should not have to do anything to get your Winter Fuel Payment.
Otherwise, if you were aged 60 or over and think you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment, you need to make a claim. You can get a claim form by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline or by downloading a claim form
If your claim last year was unsuccessful and your circumstances have changed, you might now qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.
You can see if you qualify by looking at Do I qualify? or by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline if you need more information.
How will you pay me my Winter Fuel Payment?
We will pay your Winter Fuel Payment into your bank, building society or post office account, or as a cheque or payable order sent to your home address:
- if you are receiving a State Pension or other social security benefit
- if you get a benefit or pension paid directly into a bank or building society account, we will normally pay your Winter Fuel Payment into the same account. Otherwise, we will send a cheque to your home address. We may send some people a payable order instead. We will send you a letter telling you when and how we will make the payment.
If you are not receiving a State Pension or other social security benefit
If you received a Winter Fuel Payment last year and your circumstances have not changed, we will pay you in the same way we paid you last year. We will send you a letter telling you when and how we will make the payment.
If you are making a claim for a Winter Fuel Payment for the first time this year
We can pay your money straight into an account of your choice, such as a bank or building society account.