New DWP update on Winter Fuel Payment for UK pensioners claiming £300
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment letters to pensioners abroad have been sent out this week, and the new rules have come into effect
by Ruby Flanagan · ChronicleLiveStarting today, thousands of British residents are invited to apply for this year's £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
Eligible pensioners residing abroad can now begin their application process for the £300 sum through postal means as of today (September 30). This update particularly influences those situated overseas who qualify for the payment.
According to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regulations, UK residency isn't a prerequisite for eligibility; nonetheless, adherence to new guidelines is imperative. For those living outside the UK, eligibility hinges on whether they receive "Pension Credit or a benefit equivalent to Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit" in their respective country of residence.
With changes brought about earlier by the newly installed Labour Government, the Winter Fuel Payment shifted to a means-tested approach. Previously, all individuals aged over 66 received a contribution of between £100 and £300 towards their winter energy bills, whereas now, only claimants of specific benefits are entitled.
The DWP recently updated the policy for overseas applicants, citing the criterion alteration as the most notable change. Despite this amendment, the stipulations for filing a claim including the applicable countries have remained constant, reports the Mirror.
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Therefore, if your domicile is outside the UK borders, eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment is contingent upon your receipt of a benefit analogous to Pension Credit and:
- You moved to an eligible country before January 1, 2021
- You were born before 23 September 1958
- You have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK - this can include having lived or worked in the UK, and having family in the UK
Postal applications have commenced today and even if you have previously received the money, you will need to claim the benefit this year. To make a claim by post, you'll need to download and complete a Winter Fuel Payment claim form, along with the IPCF091 form if you're a UK national or UK dual national residing in an eligible country other than Ireland.
You'll also need to provide proof of the means-tested benefit you are receiving (from the country you reside in) in the Winter Fuel Payment additional information form. The address to send your claim can be found on the government's Winter Fuel Payment page here.
Full list of countries you can claim Winter Fuel Payment from
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
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