Winter Fuel Payment alert as DWP letters highlight major change

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out important letters amid changes to the Winter Fuel Payment. This year eligibility for the payment is changing, though many could still qualify - and secure a benefit worth £4,000 a year.

The changes mean you have to receive a means-tested benefit to qualify for the £200 or £300 payment, such as Pension Credit. Many people are not claiming Pension Credit who could, with hundreds of thousands missing out.

In light of this, the DWP has been proactively contacting pensioners to encourage them to review their eligibility for the supplement. Labour pensions minister Emma Reynolds told Parliament: "The department sent letters between 7th October and 4th November 2024 to pensioners who, under previous rules, would have received a Winter Fuel Payment this year.

"The letters informed customers of the change in eligibility for receiving the payment and urged them to check their potential entitlement to Pension Credit which would provide them with a range of additional benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment." On average, a Pension Credit claimant gets support worth £4,000 a year.

This benefit provides an income top up, up to £218.15 per week for singles and £332.95 weekly for couples. Even those with incomes above these figures may be eligible, given that extra weekly amounts are available depending on your circumstances, such as if you provide care for another adult.

Claiming this benefit will also qualify you for Cold Weather Payments and a free TV licence if you're aged 75 or over. To be eligible, you need to have been receiving one of these benefits during the qualifying week of 16 to 22 September 2024.

However, Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months. So, if you apply now and were eligible during the qualifying week, you can still receive the payment.

Benefit payments are set to rise by 1.7 percent next April, while the state pension will see a 4.1 percent increase. With this boost, the full new state pension will rise from £221.20 a week to £230.30 a week. The full basic state pension will increase from £169.50 a week to £176.45 a week.