Winter Fuel Payments - Don't miss out

Get your increased winter fuel payment before Christmas

Anyone aged 60 or over on or before 21 September 2008 may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of £250 each household.

Households with someone aged 80 or over could get a payment of £400. The Winter Fuel Payment is one of several initiatives the government has introduced to help older people keep warm and well during the winter months.

For households with someone aged 60-79 it will increase from £200 to £250 and for those with someone aged 80 and over, it will increase from £300 to £400.

It should be paid before Christmas, directly into your bank or building society account, or by cheque sent to your home. These amounts are only for this year: 2008/2009. Your household may get more than these amounts if there are more than two people aged 60 or more, or if two or more people are making separate claims for Pension Credit. (A couple receiving Pension Credit only counts as one joint claim.)

The Winter Fuel Payment is not means-tested or taxable. Most people will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically without making a claim. But people aged 60–64 who do not get a State Retirement Pension should claim the Winter Fuel Payment. You don’t have to be receiving any particular benefit to get a Winter Fuel Payment – you qualify simply by your age.

If you think you qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment but it has not arrived by the middle of December 2008, call the Winter Fuel Payments Helpline on 08459 15 15 15, (0845 601 5613 for textphone)

Read more on the pension service website