Winter Fuel Payment  

Changeworks recommends checking whether you are eligible for pension credit or any other benefits. Those who apply for Pension Credit before 21 December 2024 will receive backdated payments of both Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment. Age UK recently revealed that more than a third of people who are entitled to pension credit do not receive it.

The below information about Winter Fuel Payment 2024 is up to date. The Scottish Government recently announced changes to the scheme for winter 2025/26. We will update information about WFP 2025/26 once we know more

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland is an annual payment of £200 or £300 to help with the cost of energy.

If you are old enough to get the state pension, and you  receive a means tested benefit, you might be eligible. The amount you can get depends on your circumstances.

Winter Fuel Payment 2024

In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment is now called Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

Winter Fuel Payment 2024 is different from previous years. Up until now, all pensioners have been eligible for the scheme. However, to get the payment in 2024, pensioners will need to receive pension credit or other specific benefits to qualify.

How do I qualify for Winter Fuel Payment 2024?

You must be of state pension age and receive one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit.

Changeworks recommends checking whether you are eligible for pension credit or any other benefits.

How much is the Winter Fuel Payment 2024?

Payments are £200 or £300, depending on your age during “qualifying week”. In 2024, qualifying week was 16 – 22 September.

If you live by yourself or in a care home, you’ll get:

• £200 if you were born 23 September 1944 – 22 September 1958
• £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944

If you live with someone else one of you will get either:

• £200 if one or both of you were born 23 September 1944 – 22 September 1958
• £300 if one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944

How do I get Winter Fuel Payment in 2024?

This year, the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It should be paid automatically into your account if you are of pensionable age and receive the relevant benefits.

When will the Winter Fuel Payment be made?

For winter 2024/25, you should be paid in November or December 2024.

If you’ve had no communication or payment, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.