Winter Fuel Payment

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How much you'll get

You should have had a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. 

If you did not get a letter but think you are eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 18 to 24 September 2023. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.

The amounts listed include a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024.

Any money you get is tax-free and will not affect your other benefits.

If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment

You’ll get either:

  • £500 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957
  • £600 if you were born before 25 September 1943

If you live with someone else who’s eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment

Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support

If you do not get any of the benefits

You’ll get a payment of either:

  • £250 if you and the person you live with were both born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957
  • £250 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 but the person you live with was born before 25 September 1943
  • £350 if you were born before 25 September 1943 but the person you live with was born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957
  • £300 if you and the person you live with were both born before 25 September 1943

If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits

One of you will get a payment of either:

  • £500 if both of you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957
  • £600 if one or both of you were born before 25 September 1943

You’ll be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.

If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim)

You’ll get a payment of either:

  • £500 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957
  • £600 if you were born before 25 September 1943

If you live in a care home

If you’re eligible you’ll get either:

  • £250 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957
  • £300 if you were born before 25 September 1943
View a printable version of the whole guide

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