Who can get the winter fuel payment and how much is it ?
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The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free payment to help older people keep warm during winter and is provided by the government to those who are eligible.
If you were born on or before 5 July 1951 you may qualify.
The winter fuel allowance is not means tested and you can get it if you’re still working or claiming a benefit. In some circumstances you may be able to get it if you live in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
You’ll qualify for Winter Fuel Payment if:
- you were born on or before 5 July 1952 (for winter 2014 to 2015 – this date changes every year)
- you’ll be living in the UK throughout the week of 15 to 21 September 2014
You may still be able to get the payment if you live in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland and you have a genuine link with the UK.
When you won’t qualify
You won’t qualify if throughout the week of 15 to 21 September 2014 you:
- are in prison
- are in hospital getting free treatment for more than 52 weeks
- need permission to enter the UK and don’t qualify for help from the Department for Work and Pensions
- have lived in a care home for the previous 12 weeks or more and get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
How much is the winter fuel allowance ?
How much you get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2014 to 2015 is 15 to 21 September 2014.
Any money you get is tax-free and won’t affect your other benefits.
Circumstance | Born on or before 5 July 1952 | Aged 80 or over in the qualifying week |
---|---|---|
You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £200 | £300 |
You qualify and get one of the benefits listed* | £200 | £300 |
You live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £100 | £200 |
You live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £100 | £150 |
You qualify and live with your partner or civil partner and they get one of the benefits listed* | Nil** | Nil** |
You qualify but live in a care home and don’t get one of the benefits listed* | £100 | £150 |
* Benefits: Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
** Your partner getting the benefit will get the Winter Fuel Payment on your behalf
How and when you’re paid
You’ll get a letter telling you how much you’ll get and an estimated payment date.
Most payments are made automatically between November and December.
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