Winter Fuel Allowance, How do we Get it?

Q.

I understand we can benefit from a government winter fuel allowance of £250 per year. We have not received this, either this year nor last year. Who should I contact to recover this allowance?

A.

The answer to this question has been updated for the year 2011/12.

The winter fuel allowance is supplied by the government and is available to most people who have reached the qualifying age (born on or after 5 January 1951). The winter fuel allowance is a non-taxable annual payment designed to help pay for the extra cost of heating the home during the winter months. There are a number of stipulations that will decide who is eligible for this payment. The amount you receive will also be dependant on a number of circumstances.

Age will be one of the major factors to how much you can receive. If you normally live in the UK on your own you should be entitled to £200. If you are 80 or over (on or before 25 September 2001) and live alone you could be entitled to £300.

Eligibility Requirements

The amount of winter fuel allowance you receive will be dependant on a number of factors. Factors that can make a difference in the amount you receive will include:

• Whether or not you live with another person who is also eligible for the winter fuel allowance
• If your partner receives income based job seeker’s allowance (JSA) or pension credits
• If you live in a care home or reside in an independent hospital and receive or don’t receive pension credits or JSA

Automatic Payments

Those who are eligible for the winter fuel allowance and are receiving a state pension or certain other state benefits do not need to apply. The fuel allowance should be sent automatically. If you think you are entitled to this allowance but don’t receive a pension or state benefits then you will have to make a claim. Claim forms are available from mid August onwards. Those who claim on or before September should receive the allowance by Christmas. Anyone who claims after September may not get their allowance until after Christmas. If you are eligible you will only need to make a claim once; after you claim the allowance it should be sent automatically each year.

Backdated Fuel Allowances

You can make a claim for backdated payments for previous winter fuel allowances you may have missed. However, these backdated payments only apply to the years 1997 to 1998, 1998 to 1999, and 1999 to 2000. In order to claim your winter fuel allowance and to make a claim for backdated payments you should telephone the winter fuel payment helpline on 08459 151515. You can also download a claim form from the Directgov website or the Pension Service website.