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The first snowfall of the season fell on Scotland today! Winter fuel benefit explained.

The first snowfall of the season fell on Scotland today! Winter fuel benefit explained.

*Please note the information in this article may be out of date

Winter is coming! So just who is eligible for the winter fuel benefit and how do you go about getting it? 

What is the Winter Fuel Benefit:

  • This is a tax free payment.
  • It is available to those living in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. (If you live in another EU country, or Switzerland, you may still be eligible if you have a genuine link with the UK.)
  • This payment is not means tested.
  • You will qualify for the Winter Fuel Benefit once you reach the Pension Credit age.
  • You do not need to have paid National Insurance Contributions to qualify for this benefit. 
  • If you meet the qualifying age, but you live in a care home you get a reduced payment. (But if you live in a care home and get Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, you do not qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.)

The two main questions you need to have the right answers for, in order to qualify, are:

  1. Were you born on or before 5 July 1952 (for winter 2014 to 2015 - this date changes every year) ? If so, you are half way there.
  2. Have you been living in the UK throughout the week of 15 to 21 September 2014? 

How much does it pay?

This depends on your age, and that of your partner (if you have one). At it's greatest, it is £300 each winter, or at it's least, £100 each winter. This figure is reduced if you are in receipt of one of the relevant benefits (listed above), or if your partner is also in receipt of the Winter Fuel Benefit, or one of the those benefits listed above. Payments have usually been paid by Christmas each year. For more on what you can receive go to Gov.UK

How do I claim?

Most people do not need to make a claim for a Winter Fuel Payment. You are usually paid automatically if you are getting other benefits like the State Pension. You will also be paid automatically if you got a payment last winter and your circumstances have not changed.

If you are not getting other benefits and you did not get a payment last winter, you must make a claim.

For the winter of 2014/2015, claims needed to be submitted by 31 March 2015.

For claim forms and other information call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline: 0845 915 1515

 

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