DWP deadline as people could lose £300 Winter Fuel Payment unless they act this weekend
One of the lesser-known eligibility requirements around Winter Fuel Payments is in place until Sunday - this is what Brits need to know.
People are being warned about a Winter Fuel Payments deadline this weekend. Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves tightened the eligibility rules for Winter Fuel Payments as one of her first actions. While millions will miss out on a potential £300 seasonal benefit because they don't claim Pension Credit, some lesser-known eligibility requirements are also in place until Sunday.
September 22 marks the end of the qualifying week for the 2024 Winter Fuel Payment, which kicked off on September 16. This week signifies a firm cut-off around some eligibility requirements for the benefit.
The DWP has advised that to be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments this year, applicants must have reached state pension age, currently 66, before or during the qualifying week.
Additionally, Brits must be entitled to Pension Credit or one of the other qualifying benefits during this week.
It's crucial to note the 'entitled to' aspect as Brits who haven't made their claim or been approved for these benefits by September 22 can still be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments. They simply need to meet all the requirements for the qualifying benefits during the qualifying week.
To qualify for Pension Credit, you must be over the state pension age and living in England, Scotland or Wales and have a weekly income below the thresholds. More information on Pension Credit eligibility can be found on the official Gov.uk website.
Moreover, your circumstances during this qualifying week will dictate the amount you receive as Winter Fuel Payments. There are two rates, either £200 or £300 depending on when you're born and whether you live alone or as part of a couple.
If you are in prison for the entire qualifying week, you will not be entitled to Winter Fuel Payments.
You have until December 21 to apply for Pension Credit and still be able to claim Winter Fuel Payment. This is because Pension Credit claims can be backdated by up to 3 months and Winter Fuel Payments are typically distributed in November.
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Those who successfully claim Pension Credit before this payment window opens should receive their Winter Fuel Payments as usual. Those who apply for Pension Credit during or after November can expect their payment within 2 weeks of their Pension credit claim being awarded.
Winter Fuel Payments are also one of the few benefits still available to Brits living outside of the UK. The DWP notes that these payments will still be made as usual to pensioners in the European Economic Area if they meet the eligibility for benefits similar to Pension Credit offered in their current country of residence as you cannot claim Pension Credit if you move out of the UK permanently. More information on Winter Fuel Payment eligibility can be found on the official Gov.uk website.
A Government spokesperson stated: "We are committed supporting pensioners with over 12 million set to see their state pension rise by £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock. Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it's right we target support to those who need it most. We urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to Pension Credit to check their eligibility and have already seen a 115% increase in claims following the launch of our awareness campaign."
