Exact date millions should receive winter fuel payment - and what to do if you don't

The Winter Fuel Payment benefit is worth up to £300 and will be paid out from November 2024 onwards to pensioners who claimed for certain support

Millions of pensioners are being urged to keep an eye on the calendar as details of this year's winter fuel payment are unveiled. For the first time, the benefit, which can be worth up to £300, will only be available to those claiming certain support.

It will no longer be a universal allowance, meaning those in need of the top-up may have to check their eligibility for the payment. Previously, anyone over the State Pension age could receive the pay-out.

Most households won't need to qualify and will receive a letter detailing the amount they'll receive and into which bank account the payment will be made. The cash is automatically paid to those who qualify, and those who don't receive a letter have been given a deadline to apply for the benefit.

Payments are £200 for eligible households and £300 for households where one or more residents is aged over 80. If the money hasn't been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

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The deadline for claiming money for winter 2024 to 2025 is set for March 31, 2025. Payments must be processed by this date for those who qualify, with most once again receiving the money directly into their bank accounts, according to The Sun, reports the Mirror.

Most pensioners will receive the money without needing to take any additional actions, provided they've been claiming certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.

If you haven't received your Winter Fuel Payment benefit by January 29, it's crucial to act quickly. You'll need to get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 to make a claim.

The payment is now limited to those on means-tested benefits. Pensioners who receive any of the following benefits are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment allowance.

It's estimated that over 800,000 pensioners could be missing out on this benefit. Pension Credit can boost your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single or £332.95 for couples.

If you believe you qualify for Pension Credit, it's vital to start the process as soon as possible. The latest claims can be backdated for up to three months, with the final date to claim for the 2024-2025 Winter Fuel Payment being December 21, 2024.