The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK is offering an extra payment of up to £694 for state pensioners born after 1951. This is a one-time annual payment given under the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, which is meant to help older people pay for their heating costs during the cold months.
This support becomes even more important now, especially with rising energy bills affecting many pensioners across the UK. Here’s everything you need to know—who is eligible, how much you could get, and what to do next.
Who Is Eligible for the £694 Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is automatically given to people born before 25 September 1957. But for the current 2024–2025 payment year, if you were born on or after 26 September 1951, you may still be eligible depending on your circumstances.
Here’s a simplified list of criteria:
- You must have been born before 25 September 1957
- You must have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week (which is 16–22 September 2024)
- You must be getting the State Pension or another benefit such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Important: If you live outside the UK, you may still be eligible in some cases, especially if you live in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
How Much Can You Get?
The maximum amount is £600, but many people will receive an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment on top of the Winter Fuel Payment, making the total up to £900 for some.
However, the average Winter Fuel Payment is £694, and the exact amount depends on:
- Your age
- Whether you live alone or with someone
- If the person you live with also qualifies for the payment
- Whether you receive certain income-based benefits
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated payment amounts:
| Your Circumstance | Total Amount (Including £300 Top-up) |
|---|---|
| Born between 25 Sep 1943 and 24 Sep 1957 – live alone | £500–£600 |
| Born before 25 Sep 1943 – live alone | £600–£700 |
| Living with someone else who qualifies | £350–£500 each |
| Getting income-based benefits | £600–£694 |
Note: These amounts are for illustrative purposes and may vary depending on your personal case.
Do You Need to Apply?
In most cases, you do not need to apply. The DWP sends the payment automatically if you are eligible and already receiving the State Pension or certain benefits.
However, you’ll need to make a claim if:
- You haven’t received it before
- You don’t get benefits or the State Pension
- You live abroad
Claims can be made online, by post, or over the phone, and the DWP usually starts processing them around September each year.
When Will the Payment Be Made?
The Winter Fuel Payments are usually sent out during November and December, so eligible pensioners can expect to receive the money before Christmas 2024.
If you qualify and haven’t received your payment by 31 January 2025, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to get help.
What if You Don’t Receive State Pension Yet?
If you’ve deferred your State Pension, or haven’t started claiming it yet, you may not receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. In such cases, you’ll need to apply manually using the DWP’s online form or helpline.
Why Is This Payment Important?
As energy costs continue to rise, many pensioners are finding it harder to keep their homes warm. This Winter Fuel Payment, along with the extra Cost of Living top-up, is designed to give a cushion during those expensive winter months.
It’s a part of the government’s broader plan to support older adults, especially those living on fixed incomes, and make sure no one has to choose between heating and eating.
Final Words
If you or someone you know was born after 1951 and may qualify for this payment, it’s a good idea to check now and make sure everything is in place for this year’s support.
With just a simple check of your birthdate and benefit status, you could receive up to £694 or more to help with your winter bills.