Who can get it?

People who have reached State Pension age and lived in the UK for at least one day during the 'qualifying week'. This changes every year, but you can check what it is at Gov.uk. You may still qualify if you live in a care home – call our Helpline to arrange a call with an adviser.

How much is it worth?

You’ll get between £250 and £600. The payment this year (to be made in winter 2023) currently includes the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of £300. To get the Pensioner Payment, you have to be over State Pension age, and claim Winter Fuel Payment. You will have had to be getting State Pension over some qualifying dates. These haven’t been published yet, but check here for updates and details of other Cost of Living Payments you may qualify for.

The Winter Fuel Payment you get is based on your age, whether you receive certain benefits and who you live with. If you live with someone else who qualifies, the payment is split between you. You can find out how much you’ll get at gov.uk.

In 2023/24 you will get an Alternative Fuels Payment if you live off-grid and use alternative fuels. Alternative fuels can mean heating oil, liquified petroleum gas, coal or biomass to heat your home. This will be worth up to £200.

How do I get it?

Most payments are made automatically between November and December. Winter Fuel Payment is tax free.

You will get it automatically if you're claiming benefits like State Pension, Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance.  

If you've not had Winter Fuel Payment before and you aren't receiving any benefits, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline to make a claim on 0800 731 0160. You only need to claim once – after this, you’ll receive payments automatically every year. Visit gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment for more information.

Alternative Fuel Payment is paid automatically to most eligible households as a credit on your electricity bill. People who don't have an electricity supplier will need to apply for help.

Who can get it?

You can only get this benefit if you live in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland, see Winter Heating Payments below.

Cold Weather Payments are made if the average temperature is 0°C or lower for seven days in a row in your area. You might be eligible if you’re getting Pension Credit or certain other benefits like Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). You won’t qualify if you’re living in a care home.

How much is it worth?

Each time the average temperature falls below 0°C for seven days in a row between 1 November and 31 March, you'll receive £25.

How do I get it?

You do not need to apply for Cold Weather Payment. After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments. Getting it won’t affect any of your other benefits.

This year’s scheme will start on 1 November. If you qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you should receive them automatically. You can check here if you’re due a payment. If you think you should have received a payment but haven’t, contact your pension centre.

Who can get it?

You can only get this benefit if you live in Scotland.

Winter Heating Payment does not depend on the temperature outside. You can get it if you claim Pension Credit, Support for Mortgage Interest(SMI) or some other qualifying benefits. You can check whether you qualify for it at mygov.scot.

This payment shouldn’t be confused with Winter Fuel Payment. They are two separate benefits, and you might qualify for both.

How much is it worth?

Winter Heating Payment is a yearly payment of £50. Payments for Winter 2023/24 will be made in 2024.

How do I get it?

If you qualify, it is paid automatically into the same account your qualifying benefit gets paid into. You do not have to apply for this benefit.

Who can get it?

Warm Home Discount may also be called Warm Home Discount rebate. To get it, you must:

• qualify for Guarantee Pension Creditand
• have your or your partner’s name on the bill.

If you live in England or Wales, you must also be on a low income with high energy costs.

If you live in Scotland, get Guarantee Pension Credit and match your supplier’s eligibility criteria.

You can check if your supplier has signed up to this scheme at Gov.uk.

How much is it worth?

The money isn’t paid to you but will be taken off your energy bill by your energy supplier. It is worth £150.

How do I get it?

Check if your energy supplier is signed up to the scheme at Gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/energy-supplier. You could also call the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 731 0214.

If you use a pre-payment or pay-as-you-go electricity meter your electricity supplier can tell you how to get the discount if you’re eligible. For example, you may get a voucher you can use to top up your meter.