Changes to Winter Fuel Payments and support available

Following recent Government changes to Winter Fuel Payments, it’s been reported that around 850,000 eligible people are not claiming Pension Credit, which means they’re at more risk of missing out on support over the colder months. 

In previous years, all pension-age people received up to £300 through the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, however now this will only go to those claiming Pension Credit. 

Anyone who is over 66 years old and eligible for Pension Credit between Monday 16 September and Sunday 22 September (qualifying week) should get the Winter Fuel Payment. If they are not yet receiving Pension Credit, they have until Saturday 21 December to apply. Pension Credit can be backdated by 3 months so, if you are eligible and apply by this date, you’ll be covered from the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week.  

You may have seen in the press that there are concerns that the application process could be difficult for some to complete, with 243 questions to answer, so we wanted to make sure you know where to go if you need support. 

We work alongside some fantastic charities that can support with filling out the forms. If you would like to speak to someone, or know someone who might need support with this, please get in touch with us by calling 01202 319119. 

If you’re not sure if you qualify for Pension Credit, you can check via www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234. We’d also recommend doing this even if you’ve checked before and were not eligible, as your circumstances might have changed.  

If you already get any of the following payments, you will automatically receive your Winter Fuel Payment: 

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

If you do claim any of the above, you’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much you’ll receive.  

We know this is worrying for many people, especially those who aren’t eligible for Pension Credit, and we want you to know we’re here to help. If you’d like to speak to someone, please give us a call on 01202 319119 or email customers@stonewater.org. 

You can also find lots of advice, information about grants and energy saving tips on our customer energy hub.