Winter Fuel Payment - getting paid

The Winter Fuel Payment is automatically given to those who have had their entitlement established. Find out what to do if you think your payment is incorrect or if you have concerns about the timing of your payment or cheque.

How you receive your Winter Fuel Payment

You should automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment without applying if you have reached the qualifying age by 25 September 2011, (born on or before 5 January 1951) and either:

you got State Pension or another benefit (except Housing Benefit, Rate Relief or Child Benefit) during the week of 19–25 September 2011
you got a Winter Fuel Payment last winter and you still meet the conditions for getting it

You will receive your Winter Fuel Payment the same way that you usually receive your State Pension or other benefit (apart from Housing Benefit, Rate Relief or Child Benefit).

If you're not getting a State Pension or another benefit (apart from Housing Benefit, Rate Relief or Child Benefit) your Winter Fuel Payment will be paid by the method of payment you indicate on your claim form.

Can your partner receive the Winter Fuel Payment?

If your partner is getting any of the following benefits then they will receive the Winter Fuel Payment:

State Pension Credit
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
income related Employment and Support Allowance

What to do if your payment is incorrect

If you think your payment is incorrect, call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0845 915 1515, textphone 0845 601 5613. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Time limits on payments by cheque and payable order

If you are sent 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 you are sent 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.

Timing of payments

If you claim on or before 23 September 2011 you should get your payment during November or December 2011

If you apply after this date, you may not get payment until after Christmas.

Will it affect your other benefits?

The Winter Fuel Payment won't affect your other benefits and you won't have to pay Income Tax on it.