The cost of bills is on all our minds. You might be able to get extra money to help with the cost of heating your home as the weather gets colder.
Winter Fuel Payment
Who can get it?
People who have reached State Pension age and lived in the UK 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 – contact our Helpline to arrange to speak to 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 you can check Gov.uk 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.
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.
Cold Weather Payment
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 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.
Winter Heating Payment
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 £55.05. 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 as your qualifying benefit. You do not have to apply for this benefit.
Warm Home Discount
Who can get it?
Warm Home Discount may also be called Warm Home Discount rebate. To get it, 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 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.
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 £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 by January 2024 if you are eligible. If you have been asked for more information you must call the helpline by 29 February 2024. You should also contact the helpline if you haven't received a letter but think you are eligible for the discount.
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.
Managing Debts
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.
Also of interest
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Next steps
Use our Winter benefits checklist to make sure you're receiving all the financial support available to you.
For more information and advice about keeping safe, warm and well this winter, read our Winterwise guide.
Make sure you’re claiming Pension Credit if you can.
Call our free Helpline on 0800 319 6789
By calling Independent Age's free and impartial Helpline, you can get information and advice from one of our friendly advisers, or order our free guides.