Older people across the UK will receive between £250 and £600 in Winter Fuel Payments in the coming months, the British Gas Energy Trust said on 17 October 2023, with an additional Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of between £150 and £300 included this year1.
The Winter Fuel Payment, also called the Winter Fuel Allowance, is available to people living in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support with heating costs during the colder months1. The Trust said the exact amount depends on individual circumstances during a qualifying week, which for this year was 18 to 24 September 2023, and on how old a person is, who they live with and what other benefits they receive1.
On who qualifies, the Trust said eligibility essentially follows State Pension age, adding that because that age differs for men and women, anyone born before 25 September 1957 will definitely be eligible1. The Trust listed groups who will not be eligible: people who have been in hospital receiving free treatment for more than a year, people in prison for the whole of the qualifying week, and people who need permission to enter the UK whose granted leave says they cannot claim public funds1.
"The money is tax-free and doesn’t affect any other benefit payments you may get."
The Trust said eligible people should receive a letter in October or November explaining how much they will get, and that no application is needed1. Payment is usually made directly into a bank or building society account in November or December1. Anyone who believes they are eligible but does not receive a letter can call the government helpline on 0800 731 01601.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Winter Fuel Payment | £250 to £600 |
| Extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment | £150 to £300 |
Why it matters for households
For a household headed by someone of State Pension age, the payment is a fixed sum arriving in the coldest months, paid automatically and without an application, which reduces the amount of a winter heating bill that has to be met from income or savings1. Because it is tax-free and does not affect other benefits, it does not alter the rest of a household's income1. The amount is not uniform: it varies with age, living arrangements and other benefits, so two households of similar size can receive different sums1. The extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment is specific to this year's payment1. The Trust's page carries a note that it has not been updated in a while and that some details may no longer be accurate1. For older people and home energy, the payment sits alongside other support rather than replacing it; how it compares with the Warm Home Discount is a separate question, and the Trust's page does not address it1.
What happens next
Letters to eligible households are expected in October or November 2023, with payment usually made in November or December 20231. The Trust's page notes it has not been updated recently and that some details may no longer be accurate1.
Sources1 cited
- Pensioners to get up to £600 Winter Fuel Payment this year - British Gas Energy Trust, britishgasenergytrust.org.uk