Winter Fuel Payment rates
Winter Fuel Payment is tax free and does not affect your other benefits.
Amounts of Winter Fuel Payment for 2018/2019, according to your personal circumstances:
| Circumstances | Born on or before 5 November 1953 | Aged 80 or over in the qualifying week (17 to 23 September 2018) |
|---|---|---|
| You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £200 | £300 |
| You qualify and get one of the benefits listed* | £200 | £300 |
| You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £100 | £200 |
| You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £100 | £150 |
|
You qualify and live with your partner or civil partner and they get one of the benefits listed* |
Nil** | Nil** |
| You qualify, but live in a care home or independent hospital and don’t get any of the benefits listed* | £100 | £150 |
*Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support
** Your partner getting the benefit will get the Winter Fuel Payment on your behalf
Payment
Winter Fuel Payment is made to each eligible person in a household. Each person who qualifies will receive a letter explaining their individual payment.
If you're eligible, Winter Fuel Payment will be paid into your bank or building society account.
How you'll be paid if you're receiving benefits
You'll receive your Winter Fuel Payment the same way you are paid your State Pension or main Social Security benefit. You don't need to apply for Winter Fuel Payment.
If you qualify but don't receive a Social Security benefit (or you only receive Housing Benefit, Child Benefit or Universal Credit), you'll need to claim Winter Fuel Payment. It will be paid into your bank or building society account.
When payments are made
Most payments are made automatically during November and December and in most cases you should have received your payment by 14 January 2019.
Usually you'll receive a notification letter with an estimated payment date. Due to how payments are made, you might receive your payment at a different time to someone in your household or living near you.
Payment queries
If your payment was incorrect or you have not received your payment by 14 January 2019, and you have received Winter Fuel Payment before, contact the office which usually pays your benefits as they are responsible for your Winter Fuel Payment:
If you claimed a Winter Fuel Payment for the first time, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre: