Who can get it?

In England and Wales, you can get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2024/25 if all the following apply:

• you were born before 23 September 1958
• you were living in the UK during the 'qualifying week' – between 16 and 22 September 2024
• you were entitled to get Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits during the qualifying week.

In Scotland, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will eventually replace Winter Fuel Payment. But for winter 2024/25, people over State Pension age who qualify will receive a payment in line with the Winter Fuel Payment. This will also be means-tested. For more information, visit Gov.scot.

You may still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home – contact our Helpline to arrange to speak to an adviser.

How much is it worth?

If you qualify, you'll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you'll get.

The Winter Fuel Payment you get is based on your age, your 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.

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 Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.  

If you've not had a Winter Fuel Payment before, contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline (0800 731 0160) to make a claim if:

• you have deferred your State Pension
• you live abroad.

You can also claim by post.

Visit Gov.uk for more information about Winter Fuel Payment.

Who can get it?

You can only get this benefit if you live in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland, you may get a Winter Heating Payment.

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 if you’re due a payment on the Department for Work and Pensions website. 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 at mygov.scot.

How much is it worth?

Winter Heating Payment is a one-off yearly payment of £58.75. Payment for Winter 2024/25 will be made by February 2025.

How do I get it?

If you qualify, you do not have to apply. It’s paid automatically into the same account as your qualifying benefit. 

If you think you’re entitled to Winter Heating Payment but have not received a payment, tell Social Security Scotland. Call them on 0800 182 2222 or send them a Winter Heating Payment request form.

Who can get it?

To get a Warm Home Discount, you must:

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

Your supplier also has to be signed up to the Warm Home Discount scheme.

If you don’t qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you may still qualify for Warm Home Discount if you’re on a low income and: 

• you live in England or Wales and have high energy costs
• you live in Scotland and match your energy supplier's eligibility criteria. 

To check if you qualify, visit 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 usually worth around £150.

How do I get it?

Check if your energy supplier is signed up to the scheme. You could also call the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.

You should receive a letter if you qualify. If you have been asked for more information, call the helpline. If you haven't received a letter but think you are eligible for the discount, you should apply by:

• calling the helpline, if you’re in England or Wales
• contacting your supplier directly, if you’re in Scotland.

Problems with debt can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, especially with mortgage and rent rates rising, and bills becoming more expensive over winter. It can be worrying, especially if you are in debt for the first time, but don’t panic – it’s never too early or too late to get help.

For more information on debt advice and how to get support, see our debt webpages.