Winter Fuel Payments

Frequently asked questions

Winter Fuel Payments (General Questions)

For Winter 2008/09

Why is the “qualifying week” set before the winter?

We set the qualifying week before the winter to allow us enough time to process your claim so that you can receive your payment in time for when you really need it.

How long do I have to cash a cheque or payable order?

If we send a cheque to your home address, you will need to cash it within one month of the date shown on it. You can cash the cheque at your local post office, or you can pay it into your bank or building society up to six months after the date shown on the cheque.

If we send a payable order to your home address, you will need to cash it within six months of the date shown on it. You can pay your payable order into your bank or building society.

If you cannot cash your cheque or payable order in time, contact the office that sent you the payment.

My circumstances have changed. What should I do?

You must keep us up to date and tell us about any changes in your circumstances straightaway, for example, if you have moved house, have changed your bank account details or are no longer getting a social security benefit. This will help us to pay you the right amount of Winter Fuel Payment. Otherwise, you may not automatically get your Winter Fuel Payment.

Find out more about how to tell us about your change of circumstances

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I get Disability Living Allowance but I am not yet 60. Do I qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment?

No. Winter Fuel Payments are for people aged 60 and over. Help is already available, through disability benefits and the disability premium in Income Support, in recognition of the extra costs – including heating – that disabled people may have.

I receive benefits. Should I complete a claim form?

You do not need to complete a claim form to get a Winter Fuel Payment if you are aged 60 or over and getting a State Pension or other social security benefit (not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit), during the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week.

I do not receive benefits. Should I complete a claim form?

If you are aged 60 or over and do not get any social security benefits or you only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit during the qualifying week you may need to complete a claim form.

Call the Winter Fuel Helpline for advice

I live abroad. Can I claim?

If you qualified for a Winter Fuel Payment in Great Britain or Northern Ireland before moving to another EEA country or Switzerland, you may still be able to continue receiving payments while living in that country.

If you live in another EEA country or Switzerland, you cannot receive a Winter Fuel Payment if for example any of the following apply:

  • You are under 60;
  • You did not qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment before leaving the UK;
  • You permanently left the UK before 5 January 1998;
  • You normally live outside the EEA or Switzerland; or
  • You normally live in the UK (but you can still receive payments as a UK resident)
  • You are in custody under sentence.

People claiming Winter Fuel Payments as residents in another EEA country or Switzerland can be turned down if they were in custody under sentence during the relevant qualifying week. This exclusion only applies to the qualifying weeks for the years from 2000/01 onwards.

Find out more about receiving Winter Fuel Payments whilst living in an EEA country or Switzerland

Why have I only received £125?

You are only entitled to £125 if, during the qualifying week, you did not get Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and there were other people in your household who were entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.

My payment is incorrect. What do I do?

If you think your payment is incorrect contact the office that made your payment. The address and telephone number should be at the top of the communication which you have received.

Alternatively, if no contact details are available you may be able to get help by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline

My partner has been paid. Do I still need to claim?

You do not need to claim if your partner is getting Pension Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and has received a Winter Fuel Payment.

When will I receive my payment?

If you are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment and you sent us your correctly completed claim form before 19 September 2008, you should have received your payment before Christmas 2008.

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