Older Britons are receiving the Winter Fuel Payment and while many will get the funds automatically, some need to file an application with the DWP.

The payment is worth between £250 and £600 this year, which includes a pensioner cost of living payment. Most people born on or before September 25, 1957 will qualify for the payment, which includes most people of state pension age.

Those claiming their state pension should get the funds automatically, with letters sent out last year to inform people if they were due a payment.

However, there are some people who are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment – designed to help those struggling to keep up with bills in colder months – who will not be paid automatically.

These individuals will need to actively pursue the DWP assistance by putting in a claim for the funds.

Who needs to put in claim for the Winter Fuel Payment?

Some individuals who are of the appropriate age need to take action themselves to claim the money. This includes those who have:

People who do not live in the UK will need to put in a claim if they have not had a payment since moving abroad.

A person who had moved abroad can only get the payment if they have:

• Moved to an eligible country before 1 January 2021
• Born before September 25, 1957
• Have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK.

Who will be paid automatically without putting in a claim?

People who claim any of these benefits do not need to put in a claim:

• State pension
• Pension Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carers Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Income Support
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• awards from the War Pensions Scheme
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit
• Industrial Death Benefit.

How do I claim the Winter Fuel Payment?

You can put in a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment in the post or over the phone. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2024.

To claim by post, you will need to download the claim form on the Government website, fill it in and send it to:

Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR.

You can also call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

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