State pensioners to get £300 bonus payment in time for Christmas

Money will be paid out to qualifying pensioners over the coming weeks

Special payments will arrive in the bank accounts of certain pensioners in the run-up to Christmas. Winter Fuel Payments, worth up to £300, will soon start being paid out to those who meet the qualifying criteria.

But not all pensioners will get the cash like in previous years after the support was controversially made means-tested by the new Government. Those who get Pension Credit or certain other benefits will still get the Winter Fuel Payment.

The support is designed to help some of the poorest pensioners with their heating bills over winter. But the Government has faced a huge backlash over how it has decided who will no longer get support.

READ MORE: £200 cost of living payments to enter bank accounts as households told 'you can apply'

Get our best money saving tips and hacks by signing up to our newsletter

As many as 2.5 million will be left struggling to get through winter as a result of losing the money, according to Age UK. For those who will still be getting Winter Fuel Payments, the money is expected to arrive in bank accounts between mid-November and Christmas so people should check their bank accounts to ensure the cash has arrived.

It is worth £200 to those aged under 80 and £300 to those over 80. The Government says: "If you were born before September 23, 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a Winter Fuel Payment.

"You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people are paid in November or December."