Exact date OAPs need to be born in to get instant £100 Winter Fuel Payment increase

It's widely known 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 may not be aware that even if you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, the exact amount you receive will vary based on your birth year and potentially other circumstances.

The Winter Fuel Payment was previously automatically given to all state pensioners, but from this winter, you must be claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit due to changes in government rules. Those of state pension age but under 80, born on or before September 22, 1958, and who qualify will receive a £200 payment, while those over 80 - born September 23, 1944 or earlier - will receive £300.

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

This means that if you are now 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 it will be paid - usually the same as 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.", reports the Express.

They added, "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."

The charity 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."