State pensioners born in certain years get instant £100 Winter Fuel Payment increase

It's a well-known fact that state pensioners will lose their £300 Winter Fuel Payment this winter if they no longer claim a qualifying benefit, following the government's decision to make the payment means-tested rather than universal. However, many are unaware that even if you do qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, the exact amount you receive will vary depending on your birth year and potentially other circumstances as well.

Previously, the Winter Fuel Payment was automatically given to all state pensioners. However, starting this winter, you must be claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit due to changes in government regulations, reports the Express.

Those who have reached the state pension age but are under 80 years old, meaning they were born on or before September 22, 1958, and qualify, will receive a £200 payment. Meanwhile, those over 80 - born on September 23, 1944, or earlier - will receive £300.

The sum you receive is determined by your birth date and your circumstances between 16 and 22 September 2024. This period is known as the 'qualifying week'. If you missed it, you can backdate Pension Credit claims until December, so it's still available now.

This implies that if you're currently over 80 and qualify, your Winter Fuel Payment will increase from £200 to £300. Most qualifying individuals will receive a letter detailing how much they'll get and into which bank account the money will be deposited - typically the same one used for your Pension Credit or other benefits.

Age UK has advised: "If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically."

The charity further explained: "If you've never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you claim Universal Credit, you might need to make a claim. And if you receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, you must make a claim."

They also noted: "You should receive your payment between mid-November and Christmas. Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if you have any enquiries or you don't receive your payment."