Winter is creeping up around the corner across the UK.
Many Brits will turn to their heating to keep their homes warm. But for loads of households, it's difficult to put the money towards energy bills.
Now the UK government is once again paying out up to £600 to eligible pensioners to combat prices. But for 2023 and 2024, those eligible will get extra on top, between £150-£350.
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Those who got the payment last year will not need to claim as it'll come automatically. But some Brits might need to ring up and can do so from October 4, reports Daily Record.
To be eligible, you need to have been born on or before September 25, 1957, making you state pension age. Also you'll need to have lived in the UK for at least one day between September 18-24 this year.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send you a letter this month explaining whether you qualify. Here is everything you need to know.
Who doesn't need to make a claim?
If you receive the following, you don't need to:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carers Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Awards from the War Pensions Scheme
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
What happens if I live abroad?
If you don't live in the UK, you're only eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if:
- You moved to an eligible country before January 1, 2021
- You were born before September 25, 1957
- You have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK – this can include having lived or worked in the UK, and having family in the UK
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Countries eligible for the scheme:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
When do I claim the help?
You only need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment if you haven't received it since you moved abroad. Otherwise it will come automatically.
How do I make a claim?
There are two ways, either by post or phone, from October 4.
To do it by post, you will need to download and fill in:
- A Winter Fuel Payment claim form – available on GOV.UK here
- Form IPCF091, if you're a UK national or UK dual national living in an eligible country other than Ireland – available on GOV.UK here
- Living abroad you can fill in the GOV.UK form here
- If you live in the UK, full details on making a new claim can be done here
The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2023 to 2024 is March 31, 2024.
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How much will I be paid?
Any money you get is paid directly to you, is tax-free and will not affect your other benefits. Remember, DWP will send you a letter in October telling you how much money you will receive.
Who is not eligible for Winter Fuel Payments 2023/24?
You will not be eligible if you:
- Have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison for the whole of the week of September 18-24, 2023
For more details on the Winter Fuel Payment, visit the GOV.UK website.
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