Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, but Haven’t Received It Yet? When to Expect Payment

With winter going into full swing, many people are not aware they’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. Those who know they’re eligible are wondering when they can expect the payment.

The Winter Fuel Payment was set up to help those who have a hard time paying their heating bills. Those who are eligible can receive anywhere from £100 and £300 when winter temperatures and harsh weather hit.

Eligibility Rules

The eligibility rules, along with whether or not an eligible person has deferred their state pension claim can affect whether they’re automatically paid or not. In addition, if a person was born on or before April 5, 1954, they could receive the payment.

In addition, a person must have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 16 to 22 September 20219, which is called the “qualifying week.” If you didn’t live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if the following (both) apply:

• You live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country
• You have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK, which can include having lived or worked in the Uk and having a family in the UK

The Winter Fuel Payment is generally paid out automatically if a person is eligible, and they receive the state pension or another social security benefit (not including the Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, Universal Credit or the Council Tax Reduction).

If you’re eligible for the payment, but have not received it, then you’ll need to make a claim. The deadline for making your claim for winter 2019 to 2020 is March 31, 2020. You can make the claim by post or phone.

The Winter Fuel Payment generally goes out automatically between November and December, with the money showing up in your account by January 13, 2020.

Exclusions to Receiving the Winter Fuel Payment

Individuals cannot receive the payment if they live in:

• Cyprus
• France
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Malta
• Portugal
• Spain

The government site says the reason for this is that average winter temperatures are higher than in the warmest regions of the UK.

Other exclusions to receiving the payments include:

• If you’re in hospital receiving free treatment for more than a year
• If you’ve been in prison for the entire qualifying week
• If you need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds
• If you lived in a care home for the whole time between 24 June to 22 September 2019, and received Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance

What You May Receive

The amount a person receives depends on their circumstances during the qualifying week (which for winter 2019 to 2020 is 16 to 22 September 2019). And any money received is tax-free and will not affect any of their other benefits.

Be aware that your payment may be different if you or a partner get one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

If you’re eligible for the payment, you’ll receive a letter telling you how much the payment will be and about when it will be paid.

For full details, be sure to visit Gov.UK for additional details.