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Apply for Pension Credit to qualify for the 2024 Winter Fuel Payment 

This year, the Government has made changes to Winter Fuel Payments which may affect if you are eligible to receive it. You now need to be receiving Pension Credit, or another means-tested benefit, to be eligible.

You still have time to apply for Pension Credit – find out how to below.  

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off, tax-free yearly payment designed to help older people, and people on other benefit schemes, to meet the cost of heating their home in the winter.

If you’re eligible for Pension Credit, you may receive a total sum of £200 this winter if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958, or a sum of £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944.

If you have a partner, and you jointly claim any of the means-tested benefits, one of you will get the payment.

Find out how to claim Pension Credit.

Apply for Pension Credit

If you’re entitled to Pension Credit between 16 and 22 September 2024, apply before the 21 December to qualify for the payment.
Apply for Pension Credit

Application guidance for British Sign Language (BSL) users

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has made an information video in BSL about applying for Pension Credit. We will upload this as soon as it is available. In the meantime you can watch their guidance in BSL on YouTube.

When is the application deadline for the 2024 Winter Fuel Payment?

You will still get the 2024 Winter Fuel Payment if you apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024, and your claim is backdated to the qualifying week between 16 to 22 September 2024.

You will not get the Winter Fuel Payment until your Pension Credit claim is successful.

What other means-tested benefits are eligible?

You must be receiving one of these means-tested benefits to qualify:

  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income support
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax credit

You also need to be receiving the benefit during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.

Find out what benefits you’re entitled to

To find out which benefits you can claim, use the online Turn2us benefits calculator.

Get support in British Sign Language (BSL)

To get benefits advice or support in British Sign Language (BSL), contact the deafPLUS Advice Line .They also have an online service to help you find local benefits advisors.

Get in touch

We’re unable to provide benefits advice at RNID, but we’ll let you know where to get the information and support you need.  Contact us.


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