Care and support

Winter fuel payment

What is it?

This is a one off payment made each year to help with the cost of winter fuel bills. Most people aged 60 years and over can get a winter fuel payment. There is an extra amount if you or your partner is aged 80 or over. The payment is made between November and January. It is paid to households where someone is aged 60 or over in the qualifying week. For 2009-10 this is the week beginning Monday 21st September 2009. Any household with someone aged 80 or over on any day in the qualifying week should also get the extra payment.

How much is paid?

At time of print the amounts for winter 2009/10 are still to be confirmed but amounts per household for 2008/09 were £250 or £400 (for those aged 80 or over). Some people living in care homes will receive 50% of the winter fuel payment.

How do I claim the winter fuel payment?

If you are getting a state pension or another social security benefit you should automatically receive any payment you are entitled to without having to make a claim. If you do not get any of the above payments and think you are eligible you must claim before 30th March for the winter that has just past. However there are no time limits for claiming winter fuel payments for the winters of 1997/98, 1998/99 & 1999/2000 if you should have received a payment but did not.

For more information telephone the Winter Fuel Payments Helpline: 08459 151515. (Textphone 08456 015613) or visit: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel

Cold weather payment

What is it?

This is a payment for a period of very cold weather. If you qualify you can get it in addition to a winter fuel payment.

Who can claim?

You will get a cold weather payment automatically if you (or your partner) are getting pension credit and you are aged 60 or over. You get a payment for each week when the average temperature in your area is forecast or recorded as being at or below 0oC for 7 consecutive days.

How much is paid?

The payment is currently £25.00 for each week of cold weather.