Winter fuel allowance 2019: How much you receive and payment schedules

Britain is heading into a winter election with the slowest annual economic growth for nearly a decade
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Tom Herbert6 December 2019

The Winter Fuel Allowance is a tax-free benefit designed to help people in their 60s pay their bills during cold weather.

The annual payment can be as much as £300, a vital lifeline helping thousands of people offset the cost of higher bills in the winter.

If you were born on or before April 5, 1954 you could be eligible for the payment, but most people who receive the benefit get it automatically.

You usually get the payment if you receive other social security benefits or the state pension, but if you don't get it automatically it you will need to apply.

Similarly, you will need to make a claim if you qualify but only receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit.

How much will I receive?

The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances and other benefits you may receive, but it is worth between £100 and £300.

According to the government website, this is what you could expect to receive.

If you live alone

  • Born between 23 September 1939 and 5 April 1954 - £200
  • Born on or before 22 September 1939 - £300

You live with someone under 80 who also qualifies

  • Born between 23 September 1939 and 5 April 1954 £100
  • Born on or before 22 September 1939 £200

You live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies

  • Born between 23 September 1939 and 5 April 1954 - £100
  • Born on or before 22 September 1939 - £150

You live in a care home and do not get certain benefits

  • Born between 23 September 1939 and 5 April 1954 - £100
  • Born on or before 22 September 1939 - £150

Your payment may be different if you or your partner gets one of the following benefits.

  • pension credit
  • income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
  • income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
  • income support

If you get one of the benefits and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify)

  • Born between 23 September 1939 and 5 April 1954 - £200
  • Born on or before 22 September 1939 - £300

You qualify and live with someone who also gets one of the benefits

  • Born between 23 September 1939 and 5 April 1954 £200 - only one of you will get the payment
  • Born on or before 22 September 1939 £300 - only one of you will get the payment

You qualify, live in a care home and get one of the benefits

  • Born between 23 September 1939 and 5 April 1954 - Nil
  • Born on or before 22 September 1939 - Nil

When will I get paid?

Most payments will be made automatically between November and December, however if you don't receive it by January 13, 2020 you are advised to get in contact with the office that pays your benefits.

The deadline for claiming any payments for winter 2019 is March 13, 2020.

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