State Pension age? You could be entitled to up to £300 this winter for heating bills

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

State Pension age Britons are likely to be entitled to various measures put in place by the government to offer support in later life. A particularly important payment at this time of year is the Winter Fuel Payment, designed to help people meet their heating bills. For those born on or before October 5, 1954, between £100 and £300 is made available to help with these kind of costs.

However, it is also important to consider eligibility if a person is looking out for this payment.

Britons will usually receive a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they are eligible and receive the state pension, or another social security benefit.

Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Universal Credit, however, are not eligible.

To receive a Winter Fuel Payment, a person must also have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 21 – 27 2020, otherwise known as the qualifying week.

For those who did not live in the UK during this week, a Winter Fuel Payment may also be received.

However, both of the following must also apply: 

  • a person lives in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country
  • a person has a genuine and sufficient link to the UK – including having lived or worked in the country, or having family in the UK

What a person gets in the form of Winter Fuel Payment will ultimately vary dependent on their circumstances.

But it is important to note any money someone receives is tax-free and will not affect other benefits.

DON’T MISS
Self-employed people to face tax reform charge – details explained [INSIGHT]
PIP: Claimants could be entitled to an extra £4,600 – eligibility [ANALYSIS]
Bank Account: Britons missing out on £4.5billion through lost accounts [EXPLAINED]

Those born between September 28 1940 and October 5 1954 will receive between £100 and £200.

Those who live alone will receive £200, but individuals living with someone under 80 who also qualifies will receive £100.

Qualifying people living with someone 80 or over who also qualifies are entitled to £100.

And those living in a care home, qualifying and not receiving certain benefits will also receive £100.

For people born on or before September 27, 1940, sums received will also vary.

Qualifying individuals who live in a care home and do not receive certain benefits, as well as those qualifying and living with someone 80 or over who also qualifies receive £150.

This amount will rise to £200, if a person qualifies and lives with someone under 80 who also qualifies.

The highest amount, £300, is for those who qualify and live alone in this age bracket. 

For those who receive particular benefits, the amount ranges from £200 to £300 – but it is important to check eligibility.

Such benefits include Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance.

Keeping track of a payment is easy, as Britons will receive a letter how much they will receive and when.

Most payments will be made between November and December, but those who haven’t received a payment by January 13, 2021 are encouraged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

These payments tend to be automatic, and those who get other benefits will receive their Winter Fuel Payments at the same time.

There are, however, instances where a person may have to be proactive in claiming a Winter Fuel Payment. 

If a person does not receive state pension or benefits, or has deferred their state pension, they will need to claim.

Those who live in Switzerland or an EEA country will also need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

A claim for the first time can be made by phone or by post, and Britons will need to have key information to hand such as their National Insurance number, and bank or building society details. 

Source: Read Full Article