Winter Fuel Payments and Pension Credit Eligibility
Published on 24 October 2024 10:19 AM
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households including a person over State Pension age receiving a qualifying benefit. (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Child Tax Credit and/or Working Tax Credit award of at least £26 for 2024/25).
For the Winter of 2024-25, you qualify if you were born on or before 22 September 1958 and you get a qualifying benefit. Claiming Pension Credit now means you can get the Winter Fuel Payment for the winter 2024-25. Households that are eligible normally receive this payment automatically.
If you have any questions about the Winter Fuel Payment, call 0800 731 0160 or see www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for older people. There are 2 parts and you can be entitled to both:
- Guarantee Credit – which brings a household’s income up to a guaranteed minimum
- Savings Credit – can provide extra money to some people who already have higher savings or income.
For an easy to digest overview of Pension Credits, please read the Age UK Information Guide - ID205478 Age UK Pension Credit_February 2024
For a more in-depth information, please read the Age UK Factsheet - Pension Credit
Are you eligible for Pension Credit?
Age UK's benefits calculator can help you find out which benefits you could be entitled to. It's free and simple to use and the details you provide are kept anonymous
Benefits calculator – what am I entitled to? | Age UK
How to claim Pension Credit
To claim Pension Credit:
- Go to Pension Credit: How to claim - GOV.UK to apply online
- Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm)
- Request a paper form by calling the number above – or print a copy at