The Winter Fuel Payment is due to hit recipients' bank accounts within the next few months, providing much necessary support to those in need while living costs rise. The payment is a one-off and is distributed to eligible Britons over the state pension age to put towards energy costs.
However, as with all benefits, recipients must adhere to strict criteria to qualify for the payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free benefit available to anyone born on or before September 26, 1956.
Britons must also have lived in the UK for at least one day during the 'qualifying week', which this year, is September 19 - September 25, 2022.
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Those who did not live in the UK during the qualifying week may still be eligible if they both live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country, and have a genuine, sufficient link to the UK.
The Government website describes this as having previously lived in the UK and having family in the UK.
Those who receive the state pension or another social security benefit (not including Adult Disability Payment from the Scottish Government, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit), will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.
However, if a Briton doesn't get either of these or if they live abroad, they may need to make a claim.
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But it should be noted, those who live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain are not eligible. This is because the average winter temperature in these areas is higher than in the warmest region of the UK.
People do not qualify if the following criteria apply:
Pensioners could save money this winter by taking key steps to cut back on their gas and electricity use.
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Normally, and if eligible, pensioners can get between £100 to £300 depending on age and personal circumstances to put towards heating costs.
This year, the amount to be received will also include the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, boosting the figure of potential payments up to a range between £250 to £600 instead.
Winter Fuel Payment rates 2022/23
If a person qualifies and lives alone (or none of the people they live with qualify):
If a person qualifies and lives with someone under 80, who also qualifies:
If a person qualifies and lives with someone who gets certain benefits (including Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support):
If a person qualifies, lives in a care home and doesn't get certain benefits:
According to the Government website, most Winter Fuel Payments will be made automatically in November or December.
Eligible recipients will receive a letter telling them how much they'll get. For those who don't receive a letter or the money is not paid into their account by January 13, 2023, the DWP advises Britons to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
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