How can I qualify for the winter fuel payment

By Jess Longstaff

There are various factors to take into account when considering applying for the winter fuel payment in the U.K., and it depends entirely on your personal situation. The following steps outline the qualification methods;

Do you live alone?

Yes, you do qualify for the winter fuel payment. How much you are entitled too depends on your age. If you are aged 60-79 you will receive £200. However, if you are aged 80 or over - by the 23rd of September, you will be entitled to £300.

You are the only person in the house that qualifies

Yes, you will receive your winter fuel payment in similar fashion to the above mentioned rates.

Both you and your co-habitant are both aged less than 80

You will be entitled to the winter fuel payment but at a separate rate. Your payment would be capped at £100 each.

Both you and your co-habitant are both aged over 80

If you are aged 80 and over by the 23rd September you will be entitled to a payment of £150 each.

Are you currently receiving benefits?

If you are currently receiving benefit payments such as pension, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or other forms of support you will be entitled to winter fuel payment of £200 for those aged under 80 and £300 for those aged 80 and over.

You will receive this payment regardless of other eligible people living in the household; however if someone in the household is eligible but not on the above mentioned benefits, your partner will receive a shared payment.

Other factors

• If you have stayed in an independent hospital or care home for 12 weeks or more up to the qualifying week and are not currently receiving pension, Jobseekers Allowance payments - then yes, you are entitled to receive winter fuel payment. These are in addition to the standard winter fuel allowance payments. Those aged 60-79 will receive £100 and those aged 80 and over can expect to receive £150.

• If you have stayed in an independent hospital or care home for 12 weeks or more up to the qualifying week and are currently receiving pension, Jobseekers Allowance payments - then yes, you are entitled to receive winter fuel payment.

When can I expect to receive my payment?

The majority of payments tend to be made between November and Christmas. Due to the overwhelming number of people entitled to the winter fuel payment, over 12 million, it is difficult to give a set date to when you can expect your entitled payment. You will receive a notification in the post closer to the date of when to expect your payment to be processed. You may find yourself receiving your payment at a different time as someone living with. This is due entirely to the way the payments are made.

Should I contact someone about it?

There is no need to contact government offices about your payment unless you have not received it by January 2013. As mentioned above, you will receive notification when your payment is due to be made.

  
Jess Longstaff has been trying to chase up information on the winter fuel allowance on behalf of her mother. It is good to know that it is all automatic.