A Winter Fuel Payment can help people over state retirement age with their heating bills. If eligible, a person could get either £200 or £300 to help pay heating bills this winter.
However, as a result of Government changes, the Winter Fuel Payment is now means-tested and so entitlement depends on being in receipt of a means-tested benefit, usually Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is a means tested benefit for people who have reached state retirement age. It is worked out by comparing income (including savings) with what the law says is needed to live on.
Pension Credit will top up weekly incomes to £218.15 for a single person, and joint weekly income to £332.95 for couples. If income is higher, some may still be entitled to Pension Credit because of individual circumstances such as a disability, being a carer or housing costs.
Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy at Advice NI, explained the looming deadline. He said:
“Usually in order to secure entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment, you have to be in receipt of Pension Credit in what is called the Winter Fuel Payment ‘Qualifying Week’. This year, the ‘Qualifying Week’ was the week commencing Monday 16 September – Sunday 22 September.
“However due to backdating rules within Pension Credit, you can make a claim and ask for it to be backdated for up to 3 months if you should have been getting it earlier. Therefore the latest date on which people can claim Pension Credit and backdate to secure entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024.
“Of course there is the double benefit of not only securing entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment but also securing Pension Credit entitlement. This can be vital income to help older people heat their homes and pay their bills.”
For help and support, and to check your eligibility and make a claim, contact Advice NI or local independent advice providers by visiting adviceni.net or calling 0800 915 4604.