Winter Fuel Payment loophole means thousands on Universal Credit and other benefits could get £300 help
A WINTER Fuel Payment loophole means thousands of people on Universal Credit and other benefits can claim the up-to-£300 bonus – but you need to apply now.
The Winter Fuel Payment was previously available to everyone aged at least 66 – the current State Pension age.
But in July, the Government announced the payment would become means-tested, meaning only those on certain benefits are eligible, with 10million households set to miss out this winter..
Those on income support, tax credits and Universal Credit, as well as Pension Credit are eligible for the payment.
To qualify for this year’s benefit, you must have an active claim for one of the qualifying benefits during what’s known as the “qualifying week” – this year that’s from September 16 to 22.
However, claims can be backdated by between one and three months, depending on the benefit you’re applying through – so it’s not to late to claim.
To be eligible for Pension Credit, you and your partner need to have both reached State Pension age, which has excluded many from applying.
But, if you have a younger partner, you may be able to make a claim to receive the Winter Fuel Payment through Universal Credit.
Thousands of couples could be missing out on this benefit, which is worth up to £618 a month with the standard allowance, before the Winter Fuel Payment is added.
To receive Universal Credit you need to be on a low income or need help with your living costs and have £16,000 or less in savings and investments.
Claims for Universal Credit can be backdated by one month.
This means that the absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment is October 18.
If you fail to apply for the benefit before this date, you won’t qualify for this year’s cash.
The amount you get for the Winter Fuel Payment varies depending on your age.
If you are aged between 66 and 79 you will get £200 while those aged 80 or over will receive £300.
Whatever your situation it’s worth checking what benefits you can receive as some 850,000 people who could be claiming Pension Credit and, in turn, the Winter Fuel Payment, have not yet applied to receive it.
Age UK has a simple-to-use benefit calculator, which can be used to determine what support you could receive.
CHECK IF YOU QUALIFY
Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs.
To claim, you typically need to:
- Live in the UK
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be under State Pension age (unless you’re part of a mixed-aged couple)
- Have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
How much money you’ll get depends on your personal circumstances, but the monthly standard award is £393.45 for a single person over 25 and £617.60 for a couple who are both over that age.
If you have a disability or health condition, or if your child does, there are extra top ups you can get in your Universal Credit award.
If you rent, you can also get help towards those costs and any service fees you might pay.
If you have over £6,000 in money, savings and investments, your payment will be reduced by £4.35 for every £250 you have between £6,000 and £16,000. Another £4.35 is taken off for any remaining amount that is not a complete £250.
However, if you’re moving over from tax credits as part of the managed migration process, the savings limits will not apply for the first twelve months.
You can apply for Universal Credit online by visiting gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim.
How much is the winter fuel payment and how is it paid?
PAYMENTS last year were worth between £300 and £600, depending on your specific circumstances.
This is because the amount included a “Pensioner Cost of Living Payment” – between £150 and £300.
This year, it will be worth £200 for eligible households or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.
That means you could receive up to £300 in free cash depending on your circumstances.
Most payments are made automatically in November or December.
You’ll get a letter telling you:
- How much you’ll get
- Which bank account it will be paid into
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
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