DWP explains how you can still get Winter Fuel Payment - even though deadline has passed

If you weren’t claiming a qualifying benefits during the qualifying week, the DWP has confirmed there is still a way you can qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year

Pensioners on a low income may still be able to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment - even though the qualifying deadline has passed.

Winter Fuel Payments used to be available to everyone over state pension age - but the rules have changed so that only those claiming means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, will receive this cash support. Winter Fuel Payments are worth up to £300, depending on your age and living arrangements.

In order to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this year, you must have been born before September 23, 1958 and claiming one of the following benefits between September 16 and September 22, 2024:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

But if you weren’t claiming one of these benefits during the qualifying week, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed there is still a way you can qualify. Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, which means you have until December 21 to apply and still be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. But as well as giving you extra income, you'll also unlock other perks such as free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses, or a free TV licence if you're over the age of 75.

Pension Credit - who is eligible?

The main part of Pension Credit is called Guarantee Credit and this tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but in some cases, you might still be able to claim if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you're a carer, or you have to pay housing costs, such as a mortgage.

You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a severe disability and you claim certain benefits, or if you care for an adult, you could get an extra £45.60 a week. If you’re responsible for children or young people, you could get an extra £66.29 a week for each child or young person you’re responsible for. This is increased to £76.79 a week for the first child if they were born before April 6, 2017.

If the child or young person is disabled, and claims certain benefits, you could also get an extra amount on top of this. Extra help is also provided if you have housing costs. If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have savings or a second pension, you may be eligible for the savings credit element of Pension Credit. This is worth £17.01 a week if you're single, or £19.04 a week if you're in a couple.

Pension Credit also means you could become eligible for other discounts and freebies, including a free TV licence for over-75s, free home insulation and boiler grants, free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses and contact lenses. You'll also be entitled to the Warm Home Discount worth £150 each winter, Cold Weather Payments worth £25, plus discounts on your water bill and cheaper broadband.

You can apply for Pension Credit online on Gov.uk website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you'll need to be with them when they do.